I frighten children.
And teenagers.
And timid adults.
Sometimes intentionally.
Most of the time without my intention.
When I am made aware of my scare tactics I am often taken aback (not sure what that means but it sounds good here).
Take my recent texted conversation with my friend Nana Kay.
Me: I give up. The pain is so bad. You sure you want to loan me one of your daughters to help clean my house?
Nana Kay: Sure. They would love to come help you.
Me: If you’re sure. How about Wednesday? She can come spend the night and then clean on Thursday. She can even swim in the pool if she wants. But I don’t think I’m up to having her and her friend. You daughter only. Ok?
Nana Kay: Whad up?
Me: Pardon?
Nana Kay reported to me the next day that at that very moment her phone dropped, her daughter screamed and said I frighten her and there was no way she wanted to be anywhere around me.
How was I to know that Nana Kay had passed the phone to her daughter?
How was I to know that children (Yes, in my book teenagers are still children. Remember I am old.) talk to adults like that?
How was I to know that my simple response of pardon would scare the benevolence out of a teenager? (I’ll rent that word out on a single use basis to parents who are pulling their hair out with regards to the behavior of their teens.)
I was told by my friend CeeCee, whom I once interviewed for a job, that she felt confident through the entire interview process until I entered the picture. She left the interview with me thinking I hated her and she was the worst candidate ever.
She may have even gone home, dug in the garden, and eaten worms.
I still haven’t a clue what I said that gave her that impression.
I wish I could remember.
There are times I could really use that skill.
Perhaps my business skills need honing.
Perhaps I come across a bit too all-knowing. A bit too confident. A bit too bitchy.
Nah.
From the life and mind of:
Wanda M. Argersinger
© 2011 All Rights Reserved
www.wandaargersinger.com
What company do you do interviews for? Let’s face it, Halloween isn’t that far away and your scare skills could be invaluable
I have the same problem.My supervisor says I look mean even though I’m not all the time.
I don’t think you’ll be able to cool off in the pool today. Sherman’s Ghost is breathing down on the South and it’s hot as Hades.
Let the housework go to this fall when it will be cooler.Summer ain’t the time for housework anyway. It’s vacation time don’t ya know?
You must have been a high school teacher in a previous life. They taught us that in ED101. Comes in handy on occasion, doesn’t it?
Yes, never thought that interview went well after talking to you……
Scared the crap out of me…..
Isn’t it strange how a single word can separate humans into we and them, by them I mean teens.
Re: Ron’s comment. BG had Howl-O-Scream auditions last week, but I’m sure they’d hire you with out an audition. Just send a copy of this blog. Giggle.
I have to say, Wanda, that I didnt think you liked me at first, either. I’m still not sure you like me. Lol. I can only hope.
Nah, I always knew she liked me best. Who else would carry a 2 ft. heron decoy on an airplane, through security, and then set it on her banquet table so I could find her? Ok, besides a former prison inmate or “resident” in a home”. FORGET the housecleaning if it’s for me. I’ll just scoop out spot to sleep and feel right at home.
But your tactics are teachable and very valuable to the parent(s) of these teenagers…..