And then, eventually, cue the guilt. Because we know we should care for people, and that when people have serious issues, they don't really want or need our disdain heaped onto the pile. They need prayer, a listening ear, maybe some advice, maybe some sort of tangible help. But probably not my ridicule.
Anyway, I recently had a conversation with some random dude, and I just don't know how to think or feel about it. So I submit it to you, fellow tangent explorers, in the hope that you can shed some light on it, but also ponder the way you feel and act toward random dudes.
The most mystifying conversation I've ever had
Jon is walking alone on a Friday night. No explanation given for his boring social life. A 21-year-old male ("Dude") approaches him from across the street. Dude steps in stride with Jon.
Dude: So are you thinking about jumping off a bridge?
Jon: Um, no. Wait, what?
Dude: That's what selfish people do. They think about jumping off bridges.
Jon: Sorry man, I don't know what you're talking about.
Dude: (Scowling) I think it's pretty obvious.
Jon: (Looking around to make sure there are people/witnesses) Sorry, it's not obvious to me.
Dude: Well I'm not in the habit of repeating myself when what I'm saying is obvious. Are you American? Do you speak English?
Jon: Yeah.
Dude: (Belligerent) Oh, so you just want me to repeat what I'm saying for your stupidity?
Jon: Hey man, I'm sorry I don't understand you. (Jon stops walking so that Dude's momentum will hopefully carry him forward and end the conversation. It works.)
Dude: Look, the truth is right there. If you don't want to look at it, if you don't want to get into it, that's your problem. (Walks away.)
Is this real life?
Normally, that part of town would have been flooded with college students on a Friday night, but they're away for spring break. So, as I walked to my car from my dinner with a friend, the stage was set perfectly for this incredibly bizarre stand-off between Dude and myself. I was shaken by the craziness of it all, and I immediately called my sister to calm down before driving home.
Like I said before, I don't have any mental category under which to place this experience. I also haven't been able to understand that opening line. The guy seemed pretty lucid. And he was young. The whole thing just seems like a nightmare.
Help me
Can you interpret what this guy was saying? Feel free to get creative.
Any thoughts about compassion, guilt, etc.?
Jon
