Men use Dogs, and Moms use Kids

This may seem like a rant; maybe it is, maybe not.  I can’t stand "UNPROVOKED MOMMY CHAT".  Yes, I said it.  Just because I’m a stay-at-home mom, household engineer, what ever you choose to call it; doesn’t mean that I always like to talk about kids.  If it's a mutual conversation, that's fine.   Attack conversations are just not fun.

I’m sitting at my daughters’ first gymnastic class last night, alone.  I purposely moved a chair away from all of the groups of women to be by myself.  I actually like to watch my children participate in their activities.  If I’m not watching; there’s always a book to catch up on, planning to do, or just some alone time.

Out of nowhere a mother and her toddler wandered over toward me.  I tried not to engage, even with eye contact.  Yes, your daughter is cute, but I’ve been trapped one too many times with this ploy.  Men use dogs, and moms use kids.  If I say something, that’s the free pass to chat, not going there.  It had to be only 30 seconds, but I was under siege.  Her daughter had started going through my purse; apparently looking for snacks and, “Rude Lady”, I will call her chewed my ear off.  I heard about everything from what time her kids go to bed, wake up, ate, her taking off the baby weight, along with Christmas cookies and her mother in law.  That was only around two minutes.  My nerves began to act up – holy panic attack.  How the hell could she keep talking when I would only occasionally shake my head?  It’s true; sometimes only an ear is all they need. 

Trying to escape, I picked up my cell and decided to text Sopes.  If he answers me, I”ll call him and let him listen to this craziness.  Yup, he answered.  I dialed and just let the phone go.  Not even me on the phone stopped her.  At this point I’m laughing out loud because Sopes can hear that she’s offering to sell me a Jimmy Johns sandwich from her car.  Seriously, to travel with food is one thing.  To sell it is something entirely different!  “Nope, I’m fine” is all I reply to her.  Three words and, now she thinking I’m interested.  Sopes laughing could actually be heard through the phone – this is what we call free entertainment.

The only thing that saved my ass was that her child’s class was over.  While waiting for her daughter, “Rude Lady”, decided to stand right in front of me.  Why?  I’m in an area all by my lonesome, but she had to monopolize all space. 

Would you speak up?

 

 

Comments

[AshleyVC88]

"Rude Lady" had me cracking up in the first place, Sopes laughing on the phone makes it even better.

I would have spoken up and told her that as much as I appreciated her introducing herself to me, I'd like to watch my daughter's gymnastics class and have a little bit of quiet time to myself. Polite, but firm. It usually works.

[Sobotka Andrew]

wow, this lady is really rude. i hate talking to people sometimes, especially when they don't pick up that you're NOT INTERESTED.

[Jamie_Deanne]

You need a reality show. This is way better than jersey shore

[Dereksemmler]

You left out the most important detail...what kind of Jimmy Johns sammich was she selling?!?

Seriously, who drives around to their kids' class and offers to sell people sandwiches? My wife and I have both experienced this in taking our kids to various classes and practices. We usually grin and bear it, as for some adults that is their only adult to adult interaction unfortunately.

[jengregory66]

I remember those days. Yes, I think you have every right to say, "I'm sorry. I'm really not in the right frame of mind for conversation today. I hope you understand." Even though you really mean that you're not in the mood to talk to her.

Everyone has days when they need to talk and days when they want to be left alone. You sent out all the right "leave me alone" signals but she ignored them so verbalizing your feelings is perfectly acceptable.

[Kimblasiak]

I know first hand what lurks in the House of Sopel and I absolutely think they could rival Jersey Shore anytime! That said, who hasn't been stuck in the Mommy Trap! Props for putting it out there!

[Nicolemfinch]

Hahaha! This is hilarious! I can't believe you let one of the girls take gymnastics!

[Cassie]

I had a lady corner me at the store.....to talk to me about her kids...WTF?? When I go to my kids practices, I always have a book and my ipod, even if I don't listen to the ipod, sometimes I have the headphones in so people don't talk to me!

No matter what you said, I don't think this lady would have gotten a clue!

[Fanofhockey]

Good afternoon,
I agree with Dereksemmler (above). When we first moved to the USA I had no adult interaction at all except my husmand. While he was as work, or travelling, it would drive me nuts. I wasnt as bad as this lady (I hope!) but talking "baby speak" for hours on end can drive someone a little nutty. I think you handled it well, and I'm glad Sopes was available for some light entertainment!! By the way you can rant anytime. We are here to listen! :)

[Scrumungen]

WOW! I am not a mom but, I can see how that would be unnerving... I for one would have said something and not been very nice about it. Of course, I can be a chatty cathy with strangers but, most people can take a hint!

I have found that among most of m friends, I am the only one without children. They actually like to have me around because that means there will be no having to feel the need to talk non stop about them. I always ask how their children are and am genuinely interested but, even I know... most moms... need a CHILD BREAK!

[Susan]

Would I speak up? Oh yeah! This is my kind of "rant". Personal space is just not respected any more. Sometimes I just want to be quiet..listen to quiet, and be left alone. You were so much more patient than I would have been. How fun that you and Sopes could "have a moment" with Rude Lady.

Usually, my deliberate lack of eye contact, and body language let's folks know I'm not a chatt-er. Love when people respect that. Makes me want to talk to them, LOL. But I like to think that a polite, "You know, I'm really not looking for company" (an old line from bar days) will work. If not, I have been known to simply move away, with a wave good-bye.

If courtesy doesn't work, there always is the line about spontanteous projectile vomiting being a personal health issue, LOL!

[Sportsgirl92]

i would have for sure spoken up... and probably been less tactful ;)

also, i know this is slightly random, but your wedding dress up above is GORGEOUS. where did you get it/what designer? also, great blog.

[HockeyBroad]

Agree with Cassie -- some form of headphones/earplugs can often do the trick. I've used that in airports or on buses before; then people have to be consciously aware that they are interrupting you. If they're plugged into your phone/Blackberry, you can always point to them and say "I'm listening in on a conference call at the moment, I'm sorry I can't talk."