It was Monday around 8 p.m. and I needed a Starbucks pick-me-up to keep me alert and operative for the hours of studying ahead. Craving a change in scenery, I left the library. After ordering my usual venti chai latte and pumpkin muffin, I made my way upstairs to find a table.
To my excitement, I saw one of my friends from a distance. She had her headphones in and was intently reading. I called out, “Hey loser!” in a medium tone. No response. A few people around glanced up. Slightly embarrassed, I walked closer and shouted, “HEY.” She finally looked up.
The blue eyes I expected were brown. I immediately flushed red. “Do I know you?” she replied, in a standoffish tone — she was clearly creeped out. At this point, everyone in the silent Starbucks was eyeballing me, scrutinizing me, anticipating my response.
Desperately searching for any way out, I awkwardly uttered, “Now you do.” She looked at me like I was a circus freak. “I’m Madi,” I giggled. “I thought you were someone else, but it’s nice to meet you.”
I heard snickering in the background, which I attempted to ignore. Miraculously, her withdrawn expression transformed into a smile. I asked what she was studying and it turned out she was in my Media Studies class. We exchanged names and talked about the professor. Now when I see her, I can say hello without feeling like a two-headed creature.
This is not the first awkward encounter I have experienced due to my horrible eyesight. I can’t count on two hands the number of times my eyes have convinced me a figure in the distance — in class, on the Corner or at a social event — is someone I know.
Perhaps the fault also lies in my gregarious disposition. If I remain passive and wait until “my friend” gets closer, he or she may think I’m being rude or plainly avoiding them. I don’t hold back. It’s a 50/50 shot — I either see a friend or make a new one. Yes, it is occasionally awkward high fiving absolute strangers on the street, but rather than feel completely mortified, I look at it from the outsiders’ point of view. The strangers I have enthusiastically greeted probably think I’m the friendliest stranger ever. Maybe my greeting brightens up their day. Perhaps they’ll even be inspired to amicably approach another stranger.
My condition has become a game — a battle between me and my eyes, introducing me to new friends, though admittedly causing a few bumps along the way.
I should admit that I could feasibly save myself from this plight of awkwardness. I have a pair of somewhat trendy tortoise shell prescription glasses I reserve only for class and driving. My doctor has recommended contacts as well. But what’s the fun of that?
Madison’s column runs biweekly Wednesdays. She can be reached at m.ruddy@cavalierdaily.com.
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