You ever notice people don’t say much to one another? Strangers can hardly look someone in the eye. It’s one of those things you can depend on, no uncomfortable, unnecessary discourse with an unknown individual. It’s a blessing in my world. I trust that when I go out to the store, run errands or any other thing outside the threshold of my home, I won’t have a meaningless puerile conversation with some random person. I’m not naturally gregarious and so I like being largely ignored and left to be.
This cocoon of hermit-y comforts is what makes travel possible for me. But whoa is me if I happened to have a shoestring dangling in peril down the side of my Nikes. All of a sudden the floodgates of conversation and discourse begin. Strangers lose their gnawing fears and general apathy. I become their lamentable target of Samaritanisms such as these classic hits “Hey, Hey, Hey, Your Shoes Are Untied”, “You Be Trippin’ On Dem Laces – Remix”, “Better Tie Your Shoes, or Ye Shall Surely Perish” and my favorite, “OMG, Laces Undone, SMH”. Why is it that folks will always stop me and tell me or anyone to tie their shoelaces?
Really, ask yourself, really how many times in your life have you seen a person trip over their shoelaces? Have you ever tripped on the random untied shoelace? I haven’t and I’m getting old. I remember Fonzie and I’m still waiting to fall because my shoelaces are untied.
Maybe its because I’m not a good person, but I know this triggers a deep-ceded response from the DNA level of each human being, so I leave my shoes untied intentionally. I smile and nod affirming I know that my shoes are indeed untied and take the risk, knowing full well that an agitation will eat at the person who spoke up as they watch those dangerous laces drag behind me walking away.
And while we are at it, why is it appropriate to tell another human being to smile? I don’t think it is. I often concoct a jewel to share with the person to make them feel ill at ease with their suggestion. Its usually along the lines of “I just came from a funeral.” or “I just found out I have a terminal illness.” I know its wrong but please stop telling people to smile. It’s pointless, insensitive and above all, not your problem.
The meaning of life must be to tie your shoes and smile and that’s all.