Why I was asking a stranger “Why do you HATE ME?!” as I walked across Union Square to go to Pilates.

Whats up party people.  Let’s see how much I can write before someone or some call bothers me! 

I was on my way to Pilates class at the 21^st street gym today when I was approached by one of these Children International people.  Assuming you don’t know, these “kids” in their mid-twenties usually stand in Union Square or on the sidewalk of nearby streets where I work to try to get passer-byers to give money to sponsor a child.   These people usually stand right in your path, or like to say “hello” like they know you.  They have very sneaky ways to get your attention or try to talk to you. 

Unfortunately, today, I was not quite bitchy-looking enough to not be approached.

This guy came up to me spitting his game “hello, miss. Do you have a moment?  You look like you care about people. …”

I tell him “no thanks”  over and over as he is still rattling on sentences about his presumptions about the kind of person I am and why that would mean I would want to give money to his cause.  [fully understanding, these people are peddlers, they are not doing this out of mission, clearly, they make a cut off of what they get people to sign up for]

As for most situations when I am uncomfortable, I went with awkwardness.  Mind you, I had my headphones in for all of this.  I guess my problem was eye contact in the first place?!  It’s just not my style to not look people in the eye – in the south – we call this manners. 

As he continues to rattle on, and we walk faster and faster, I think at this point I’ve already told him I’m on my way to Pilates and won’t be stopping.  I just started telling him “I don’t understand.  Why do you hate Me?”  he would NOT leave me alone.

Then once he reached the street on the other side and I was continuing to go, it was like he hit an electric fence and turned away.  As I continue to rush to get away from him and to get to pilates on time, I notice that I was rushing so much I spilt my tea all over my pants.

SERIOUSLY, DUDE??!!  REALLY??!!  UGH!! 

And WTF. Why. Always. Me?  You know, the crazies like me.  It’s just what it is.

I went to Pilates.  It’s actually now Pilates Barre.  The teacher is cool.  She sorta sings everything she asks you to do in a soothing way.  It helps to hold the strength building exercise when she is singing “and one and two and hold it, hold it”  (to her own tune!)  It was hard and I still can’t do a real push up.  WHAT GIVES?!  Also, there was one boy in the class, like a strong boy, he looked like he could have played football or something.  Coolest guy in the gym, I think, to come to pilates with the ladies!  Good for him!  And I should say so.

After Pilates, I thought there was no way possible for this guy to notice me walking back across.  OH BUT HE DID.  He walked me halfway down the street where my office is.  I had this moment when I thought, oh no, is he going to walk me all the way to my service elevator..how awkward will that be??!! 

In his harassing of me, I told him that I do sponsor a child but would never do it through them.  [I mean it’s kinda despicable to me..i know it’s just his job to make money…but the idea of harassing people like this is just not bringing dignity to their cause and to the cause of helping children in foreign countries].  I told him “I just feel so sorry for you, because you aren’t going to get anything from me.”  Then he stopped, finally getting my words, and maybe that “electric fence” kicked in.  Then I said “Have a great day!”

Weird.  What am I to do??  It’s not like I started talking to him or anything. Oh well, maybe I’m the only person in an hour or 4 that actually responded back to what he was saying with words instead of completely ignoring him. 

Next time, I will just ask a million questions to find out what exactly is up with these people.  Maybe he is an actor.  Maybe he is an orphan.  I don’t know! 

I hope you’re having a great day.  And I hope you haven’t had to ask anyone why they hate you.