Yesterday, as I waited at the bus stop headed home, a young man approached me. He had just crossed the street, walking in my direction talking to another man who was shaking his head "no" and moving away from him. The young man, dressed in all white with a toothy smile, said: "Please tell me you're going to be the cool person I talk to today." Here we go... I was not in the mood, and knew whatever he was about to say would have a request for money wrapped around the end. "Oh no, please, not today." That was my response. To which he said, "you know what? And don't take this the wrong way. But, overall, people in Chicago are very self-absorbed. That has been my experience since I've been here." "Well, you're in the financial district, so that's why." In hindsight, I am not really sure why I said this, or what it exactly means. I guess, my point was, this is the business epicenter of the city. People have short patience when it comes to handouts and pretty much everything else. When you work downtown, you lose interest in a lot of things that go on downtown. You are no longer in awe of every little tweak in the day. Instead, you are just trying to get home (in my case), get something to eat (quickly) or grab a drink (because you need it).
He walked away and I thought, well he's not going to get too far with that attitude. When I woke up this morning, I had completely forgotten about my exchange with this guy. Instead my thoughts were on a very vivid dream I had that revolved around me, brace yourself... choosing the right nail polish color for my mani and pedi that I need to get by tomorrow. Hmmm... he might be on to something.
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