Call it a failure to communicate

[GeorgeGist]

Since it’s not my habit to frequent women’s restrooms, I don’t know much about the protocol. All I can address is the men’s side of the equation, and after 60 years of practice, I pretty much have the routine down pat. Especially the do’s and don’ts.

In matters of interpersonal communication within these confines— a.k.a. talking — less is generally better. If two strangers of the Guy Persuasion happen to enter the room simultaneously, it’s OK for them to acknowledge the other’s presence with a silent nod. If they do speak, it should be in a low, monotone, “How’ya doin?” or “Wha’ysay?” Or “Wha’sup?” for Gen-Xers and “What up, dawg?” among the 20-somethings.

--snip--

And yet a Guy Person I know — country comedy singer-songwriter Jerry “Hogman” Isham of Rockwood — was forced to break this cardinal rule a few days ago in Nashville. Jerry was in Music City to record some tunes for his latest CD. Later, he performed at a couple of cafes. Shortly after midnight, he was about to start back toward East Tennessee and decided to visit the john first. He was minding his own business when another Guy Person sidled up on the far side of the partition and began talking.

“Right out of the blue, he says, ‘How’re you doin?’ ” Jerry told me. “I said, ‘Fine, how’re you?’
“Then he says, ‘When did you get into town?’ I said, ‘About noon today.’
“Then he says, ‘Are you gonna sing?’ I said, ‘I just did.’
“Then he says, ‘Who are you with?’ I said, ‘My buddy, Jeremy Ball.’
“I gotta tell you, I was getting nervous. I didn’t dare look over. Just kept starin’ straight ahead. But the other feller wouldn’t quit.
“He says, ‘Are you comin’ back to town?’ I said, ‘Next Monday.’ He says, ‘When are you leavin’ town?’ I said, ‘Right now!’
“I went over to wash my hands and heard that feller say, ‘Bye, I love you, too.’ ”
Curiosity finally took control, and Jerry glanced across the room.
“He’d been talkin’ to someone on a cell phone!” he exclaimed. “Reckon he was just as surprised, ’cause all he did was stare at me while he folded up that phone.”

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/aug/28/call-it-afailure-tocommunicate/

[valerief]

1. LOL! Great story. nt