Dinner with my buds !

So picture this,  heading to dinner with both of my buds one on each side, feeling confident walking from the car to that spot at the bar of a really nice restaurant. 

As I said one either side, a shield that can be removed but only if someone interesting sits down, someone who you actually want to talk to. Now theres a concept, spontaneous genuine conversation, on my terms of course……

So simply put, my buds are a kind of shield or buffer. By now, you probably realize that my “buds” are not people (sorry girls) but my ear buds and yes while it can isolate you, it can also save you so from awkward conversations with people who just have nothing positive or interesting to say and yet they still don’t stop talking your ear off.

Some would say I am antisocial, really?  and perhaps a little rude, Maybe.  I do however beg to differ, because believe it or not I have been known to take one of my buds out and even on occasion  them both and yes hold a proper conversation with some fascinating individuals. To be totally honest, I really just don’t want to listen to others conversations, and even though it is not intended I  feel as though I am eavesdropping. So with that said, I consider myself considerate when I wear my earbuds… HAH,  there you go, I am being considerate! 

I love my buds,  and yes the girl buds too. To listen  to music an audio book or a podcast is interesting and  a form of escape, like a good movie but accessible wherever you may be. Remember this is my time,  my free time.

The Challenge

I was recently challenged  to go out and leave the buds home, yes you heard me, leave the buds home, WHAT. 

My friends have often said that I am more likely to meet people if I am open to conversation and having my buds in when out alone gave the impression of “I don’t want to talk to you” which to be totally honest is exactly my intention.

So Why Not…

I accepted the challenge.. Now, the walk from my car to sitting at the bar was far from enjoyable and felt more like, oh let me think.

• A chore
• Isolating
• Painful

You get it. Almost, like a child that had their ball taken away and was in time out. 

During the two hours I sat at the bar enjoying my aged steak and glass of red, it felt strange even isolating, fewer people actually conversed with me which makes me wonder if wearing my buds is actually a challenge that brings in curious people, right? In some weird way my buds make me appear more confident and approachable.

Now, on the other side of the coin, when I am without my buds I believe people  feel I am the opposite, perhaps even vulnerable and without the preconception that I am confident they are dubious to open up and start a conversation and feel it is better to leave me alone. Which as I mentioned earlier is kinda what I wanted.

Who knows.  All I do know is that the buds are a staple going forward..