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I Could Get Paid For This

I must have one of those faces or maybe people just assume that because I'm quiet I must be a good listener, because wherever I go- they find me The talkers, the sad, the lonely the frustrated, the depressed the I-just-don't-know-what-to-dos Like the nameless young woman who hailed me like a cab in the gas station parking lot to tell me that she's pregnant just found out today and there's no way she's having it because she just had a baby about a month ago her husband doesn't even know yet, and she's so upset! Or like the produce guy at the grocery store who suddenly told me he's not speaking to his brother anymore after last night's drunken fight... Or the customer I barely knew who cried on my shoulder telling me how, since she's gotten older- her husband doesn't love her anymore then asked me to say a prayer right then and there assuming for some reason that I knew what to do so I held her hand and fumbled and bumbled my awkward way through... Or the co-workers calling me all hours of day and night with their various plights bedroom problems I don't want to hear- “Have you ever tried telling your husband this, dear?” Random people, random problems maybe ignorance really is bliss?! Or maybe I'm in the wrong line of work- 'cause I could get paid for this...

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Agnes Krampe

Date: 10/15/2018 6:22:00 AM

Maybe you look like a trustworthy, approachable, kind person? There is something about sharing with complete strangers whom one will never see again...

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/14/2018 3:27:00 PM

I saw your comment below to Eve. The way I was raised, my sisters and I are not afraid to talk about weird stuff to strangers. But I do try to reserve that kind of talk for just friends! It's funny to see how differently people have been taught to engage with others!

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/14/2018 6:52:00 PM

Yes, it is funny... I don't generally mind talking about weird stuff either- but I do draw the line when people start to share deeply personal relationship issues... as I feel that I cannot help them and they would be better suited talking it out with their spouse (or even a marriage counselor) instead!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/14/2018 3:25:00 PM

Rhona, what the heck IS your job? I mean, they are they finding you at your work place? Maybe you should walk around like all the younger set with your cell phone looking really occupied with it!! Keep your head down if you see this type coming at you! Hold your cell phone to your ear and start pretending to be talking to someone! I REALLy enjoyed this one. I too am a good listener AND talker. I blab too much to folks too, but thank goodness I do not run into this thing of yours too often!

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/14/2018 6:47:00 PM

So glad you enjoyed this! ;) The part about the customer (and the co-workers) was from years ago when I worked in retail. Since I became a freelancer & work from home this kind of thing doesn't happen nearly as often! Although, they sometimes still find me in the checkout lines at the grocery store...

Eve Roper

Date: 10/13/2018 9:54:00 PM

Oh Rhona, I would hate to be this type of person.. Sad stories makes the person listening sad and depressed. And yes a counselor do get the big bucks :)

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/13/2018 10:47:00 PM

Oddly enough, I don't mind people sharing sad things... it just strikes me as odd when people I don't know at all approach me (like the lady at the gas station) and tell me such intensely personal things! But, I guess some people are effected differently (I know this kind of thing would depress my husband terribly). Thanks for the visit & comment! ;)

Line Gauthier

Date: 10/13/2018 6:55:00 AM

Beautifully written, Rhona. A totally delightful poem. Well penned.

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/13/2018 10:43:00 PM

Thank you so much- I am so glad you liked it! ;)

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/12/2018 9:03:00 PM

You are in exactly the right kind of work, but you are right. You could get paid for it. There are counseling programs in every state and country, and you are never too old to go back to school. I did not get a degree in anything that paid until I was 44 years young. Your story sounds SO similar.

Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/12/2018 9:57:00 PM

Who knows? Maybe one of these days... (although, right now, I'm having a blast just writing!)