DISQUS

Michael Rubin · 2 years ago

Many years ago, I attended a Friday night Shabbat service at a synagogue in downtown Chicago. I was new to the group, so I was trying to be overly friendly and make new friends. There was one gentleman in the group who intrigued me the most. He had on a sticker that read, "Shhhh" and when I went up to introduce myself, he smiled and politely handed me a card. It read "Shabbat Shalom! I'm on a talking fast. Please take no offense at my lack of conversation. Let's talk again tomorrow night."

Your post reminded me of that card and the idea of a talking fast. There have been times that I almost wish there was a polite way to put a "I'm okay, I don't need help" pin on that would signal the message to salespeople that I don't need assistance. People would probably take it as being rude, though, more times than not.