12B
Random engagement is a gift, just know your exit point
Unexpected, inconvenient, surprising conversations. How to navigate, participate, and disengage.
It was a domestic flight late last year. The target finds himself trapped in 12B. A teenager occupies 12A, headphones on, eye shades down—he might as well have a ‘not now’ sign up. 12C is the problem. I was in the row behind. It went like this.
In 12C, a middle-aged man resolutely explained the inefficiencies of an inner Melbourne planning office. In detail, he outlined how he previously secured his fortune, and he now wanted to dump it into a vast land holding in an inner-east suburb primarily populated by similar arseholes. He would demolish the original house, subdivide with the council’s help, build himself a monstrosity, then build three townhouses which he would sell to unsuspecting millennials. At a significant profit. Again. If only the damn council would play by his rules!
At this point, 12B is reconsidering his carbon footprint. Who can blame him?
Here’s the thing, though—I’m in favour of random engagement, but it has to follow the right place-right time logic. There has to be an exit clause.
So, if you dare, try it? Start with a simple hello. See where it goes. Just make sure you can retreat when needed without causing too much angst.
For the record, I hope the council keep 12C waiting indefinitely.
Viva Generation X, glad to be in your team.
Nick
Links:
Why the Boomers are OK!