Day 107

I find myself walking down a path at UVic on a slow day, when I notice someone walking toward me the other direction. I know the person, but only vaguely. We took a class together at some point, talked a few times, but that was it. I'm sure the person recognizes me too.

So, as they approach, I feel a slight panic. Do I nod? Do I say hello? Do I ask 'how's it going?' I don't know what to do. I fear that if I just nod I'll offend. But I also fear the tremendous uncomfortability of asking how they're doing, but not stopping, such that when they ask back, we've already crossed paths by 8 or 10 feet and the response is awkward at best.

The person gets even closer, and I've yet to decide my course of action, when it suddenly dawns upon me that I cannot remember the person's name! What if they remember my name, and act all friendly-like? Few things are worse than carrying on a conversation with someone whose name you've forgotten, and who remembers yours easily.

And suddenly, as my neurosis comes to a peak, they are right there passing by me, and I scarsely have the time to look up and gesture a slight smile. And the ordeal is over in barely a moment.

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