TASH TALK is the column from Busselton-Dunsborough Mail journalist Tasha Campbell.
Tasha is a weekend-loving, farmer’s market-going, shopping addict who enjoys one too many chai lattes.
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AFTER reading about the 10 year reunion of Mean Girls (I know right – where did the time go) it got me thinking….
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve bumped in to an old high school friend or acquaintance and promised to catch up with them but know deep down that it will never come to fruition?
Yep, me too.
It’s a regular occurrence walking down the aisles of the supermarket in my hometown and it’s something I absolutely dread.
You’re busy filling up your shopping trolley with your groceries when suddenly BAM – an old friend who you haven’t seen for years turns the corner of your aisle and cue the awkward greetings and fake smiles.
From the former individual who you once shared sentiments like “Get in loser, we’re going shopping,” the prospect of appearing in a shopping centre anywhere near them is now cringe worthy.
The encounter is closely followed with the question “So what have you been up to since high school?”
This is then followed with “We should totally catch up for a (insert favourite beverage here), it’s been aaaaaages.”
Now my beef here is the fact that you both know deep down in your heart of hearts that this little catch up is never going to happen so my question to myself and the world is – why do we say it?
Social niceties, that’s why.
And perhaps the fact that it would be even more awkward to say “Ok see you never…”
Aisle 1 – The initial awkward greeting.
“Oh hiiii….it’s been too long…what have you been up to?”
Aisle 2 – The second encounter which is now getting increasingly more awkward.
“So how’s your job going?”
Aisle 3 – This is just getting ridiculous now.
“How many kids have I had? None. I got myself a degree…”
Why? Because the sentiments of Coach Carr will never quite disappear from mind (Don’t have sex because you will get pregnant and die!)
Aisle 4 – Get. Me. Out. Of. Here.
“Ohhhh you have 5 kids? That’s greaaaaaaat.”
With the friend defending their housewife choices instantly (I’m not like a ‘regular’ mum, I’m a ‘cool’ mum.)
By aisle 5 you have reached the point where it’s just so blatantly awkward that you simply smile and nod.
Aisle 6 = Abandon trolley. Abort mission. Exit store.
When I asked around the office to see if my colleagues had been in a similar situation they all groaned, rolled their eyes and nodded in agreeance.
I quizzed them on each of their responses and everyone seemed to view the situation just as I did – as a bit of a grey area.
One particular colleague however drew group respect with her blunt yet honest response: “Sorry but I’m not looking for any new friends at the moment.”
Whilst I aspire to reach this level of honesty, for the moment I will stick to the social niceties and say to myself with confidence - you go Glen Coco.
Have you had a similar experience? We'd love to hear about it so post a comment with more details.
