Walking down the sidewalk with my new trivia friends the other night, we bobbed and wove around trashcans and sidewalk trees, attempting to walk next to one another and keep up conversation.
We passed a full restaurant with people standing outside, waiting. I was mid conversation with one of the people in the group, when someone waiting sneezed.
I didn't stop my stride as I told him "bless you" and kept talking as if nothing had happened, but my new friend wouldn't let that pass.
"Did you just tell a random stranger 'bless you?'" he asked, amusement in the condescending smile he wore. Plus he's taller than me, so that just added to the affront.
I felt myself go red but remained indignant. "What? You guys don't do that here?" I demanded with a lack of conviction. "I just like manners," I insisted a little meekly.
He shook his head with a laugh. "No!" he mock-yelled. "Go back to Georgia!" he said, laughing as he descended the nearest subway entrance.
Feeling: Awkward, sitting next to a young canoodling couple. Listening: Frank Sinatra's Adelaide from the film version of Guys and Dolls.