Back to the door
Laptop on the table

Earphones in my ears
Music playing

If I sit in this coffee shop for more than an hour I’ll watch people come and go.
– Maybe I’ll smile at them
– Maybe I’ll nod a hello
Usually we’re silent strangers.

A couple of minutes ago two guys sat at the table behind me.
I knew that they were there three feet away.
I barely even looked their way.

It’s an interesting bubble of space: being close to strangers.

Bubble-Burst

My music stopped
I heard my neighbors talking
They’re planning the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

I smiled to myself.
I nearly laughed.

I was writing a post for today about being an introvert.
And I’m about to do a very not-shy thing.

I got up from my chair.
I walked to the register and bought two gift cards.

I sat down and turned toward my neighbors.
They both looked at me.
I smiled again.

I said, “Gentlemen, my music stopped and I heard a committee planning meetings. For years I’ve gone to the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, and not once did I plan it. Thank you for serving us.”

Then I slid the gift cards toward them.
They smiled.

Introductions were made.
I met Adriaan, an area pastor, and Jeff, the mayor of Brooklyn Park.
Small world.

They offered to let me join them in the future.
I smiled, and declined, “Thank you for doing what you’re doing. I’ll buy the coffee.”
We all smiled.

Come back tomorrow: Being an introvert is different from being shy.