The Old Coot is a nosy
people watcher.
By Merlin Lessler
I’ve recently written
about the “UM” people and the “Huffer” people. Both of which you can’t help but
notice when you are in a line. The “UM” people can’t make a decision and they
say, “Um,” as they go back and forth in unsure choices. The Huffers get overly
impatient in line, and huff & puff, crossing and uncrossing their arms and
shifting their weight from one leg to another.
Now, I’ve discovered
another branch of dysfunctional (sort of) people. The ones who sigh. A lot! A
sigh is something we do unconsciously; we take in a normal breath, then draw in
a second helping and exhale the double volume of air which results in a notable
sigh. It’s an involuntary action generated in the brain using in excess of 200
nerve cells, according to scientists who study this stuff. It happens when we feel sadness, anxiety,
depression or despair. The sighers in line are sad; the Huffers are mad; the Um
people are indecisive and disorganized.
When you are around a
sigher, you wonder what’s wrong and often ask, “Are you OK?” The typical
response is, “Nothing!” If you mention that they are sighing a lot they think
you’re a nut job. “I am not sighing!” they exclaim. They aren’t fibbing; they
are unaware.
I don’t mind my own
business when I’m out in public, especially when I’m in a line. I snoop on what
everyone else is doing. Every once in a while I’ll encounter a “perfect storm”
– a Huffer in front of me, a Sigher off to my side and an “Um” person at the
register. It’s like listening to and watching a symphony orchestra of sights
and sounds: Huff – Sigh – Um – Um- Um – Huff – Huff – Sigh. It makes me into a
“Chuckle” person, chuckling in public for no apparent reason. I wonder who’s
watching me?
Comments? Suggestions to
write about? Send to mlessler7@gmail.com
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