I have
a sister-in-law who has dubbed me an "airplane talker." As in "one of those people" who engages someone in conversation rather than read a couple chapters in her novel. I DO love to bury myself in a good book to pass a flight ... and as much as I often try to resist my seat neighbor -- it just happens.
A casual, "so where you are go
ing?" turns into tales of career changes, marital woes (not mine!), raising children, invitations to various resorts, confessions, introspection and so on and on and on... For better or worse, I am one of those people whom others will "spill their guts." Regardless of whether I am offering much in return. That said, I HAVE had some of the most interesting connections with people whom I will never see again in my life. Or perhaps I will. I have learned things about myself and about others. I have gifted myself with food for thought, interesting perspectives and insightful advice. Not to mention, more than several book sales. My husband just shakes his head at me ... I once sat next to a woman on the plane who worked for a Mpls. magazine ... who sold me an ad ... who invited me to lunch ... who bought a bunch of books from me ... Just got a note from her announcing her 1st pregnancy!
Last Thursday, I flew to Chicago. Took me way too long to get there due to thunderstorms and many, many cancelled flights. Same story on the way home. In 18 hours ...
1. A guy complained to me about what a pain in the ___ the security lines are now. Saw him 10 minutes later in the Starbucks. There he started griping about the line in another restaurant. Ran from this guy fast.
2. Sat on the runway for 2.5 hours before taking off. Listened to very funny flight attendant.
3. While going to meeting -- A cabby started pouring out that his now ex-wife found an older, rich man and dumped him. He told me he was going back to Europe where he can get a better job and find a woman. Noted to self not to call this cab company on the way back and gave thanks for my 16-year marriage. Had to tell this particular cabby to let me OUT and reassure him that it was OKAY that the address was one number off from what I first told him.
4. Back in the airport later -- stopped at security for expired driver's license. Extra searching for me. Learned about a hidden security check point that the workers told me is OHAre's best kept secret.
5. Sitting at gate -- met young woman from MN flying from London where she goes to med school. Tells me about Skype -- internet site that lets you talk free from anywhere in the world. Let me read her People Magazine.
6. Met guy travelling from Prague to meet girlfriend's parents in Mpls. Told me stories of life in Prague.
7. Sat next to older gentleman (75?) who was VERY tan because he still mountain bikes in retirement; he was on his way to Denver to meet his grandchild.
Everyone has a story -- take a chance sometime. Call my connecting a skill or a sickness -- I sure do learn a lot.... Good night, MR