People

As much as I like being slightly reclusive, I find that the state requires me to be much more social.  This is taxing.  I can be social, and I, like every other normal person, can flip into my public persona.  You know the one, the smile, the handshake, the laugh, when I'd really rather not be in this place right now.

Social persona is such a funny thing to think about.  We've learned to apply it and use it.  But some people seem to either miss the cues, or their public selves and private selves have been at war with one another so long that they can't keep it up anymore.  I often think this when I meet someone who offers information about themselves that really isn't relevant to the situation at hand.  And yet, I know I've done this, so I'm not judging, just observing.

I clomped into the classroom on my trusty crutches and took a seat, equidistant between two other classmates.  One was a lady who looked to have had a much more difficult 40 years than I have.  She was missing a few teeth in front, her hair in one of the messy ponytails that speaks lack of planning, versus the current coiffed messy ponytail trend.  She was wearing a purple track suit that neither flattered nor insulted her.  She was kind and quiet, she introduced herself and offered a handshake.  Across from her was the other student.  Dressed in a dingy, much too small My Little Pony teeshirt and zip off cargo pants with the top button undone, and the lower legs gone.  Instead of the usual "Hi, I'm Joe," start to the conversation, the opening comment was "It sure is windy and cold out."  I said it had died down some and seemed pleasant.
"Its getting colder though."
"Yes, but I like this weather.  I'd be happy in jeans and teeshirt weather year 'round." I replied.
"I like shorts and skirts weather."
"Nope, not me, I prefer 70 degrees."
"I like to wear skirts.  I'm transgender."
"That's nice.  I'll wear long skirts, but not anything short.  But really, jeans suit me."
"I like short skirts, since I'm transgender."
"Yeah, not me.  I've got old lady legs, so the world is better off if I don't wear anything too short."

The lady offers that she has been told that she has nice legs, but she's embarrassed because of her tattoos.  She rarely wears shorter skirts, and prefers to wear pants, especially now that the weather is getting colder.  I agree with her, and turn to the young person, offering my hand.  "I'm Bethany, by the way."
"I'm Joe, but that name will change."
"Nice to meet you, Joe. Let me know when it does."