The Happy Girl at the Movies

Our FHE group drove to the dollar theater for a President's day showing of an animated film called The Tale of Despereaux. Unfortunately, every show in the entire theater was sold out. Upon our immediate return home, I was asked an awkward and disturbing question by an exuberant girl seated next to me:

"Are you O.K. Bryan? You seem so sad all the time."


How does one reply to a question like that in a car full of people? My first thought was that her inquiry was kind of insensitive and inappropriate, for two reasons. First, I barely knew this girl and she assumed that I would confide in her simply because she asked me to. I wondered if she grew so accustomed to people sharing their deepest feelings with her while on her mission that her habit of spiritual interrogation spilled over into normal life. Second, who asks such a poignant question to someone trapped in a packed car? There are only two possible responses in this situation. I could have added to the awkwardness of the situation by earnestly indulging her question. Or I could have countered with some witty rejoinder. I did what seemed least embarrassing for all of us; I said, "thank you."

I was already on edge because not long before that night, I had already concluded that I would detest dating this girl; I couldn't see us carrying on a conversation for more than 30 seconds. I understand that my inability to communicate reflects worse upon me than her, which sparked an interesting challenge in my mind. Maybe I should go on a date with her just for the sake of learning to appreciate her more.

I'm all about being honest with myself and with others, so it would be difficult to share my true intentions with her and still manage to convince her to go out with me. When I've been "honest" in the past, it has ALWAYS turned out badly. I should probably just let it go. Yet, I'm still fascinated with the idea of becoming comfortable enough around her to determine if her chirpy personality is real or counterfeit. (If you know who I'm talking about, be discreet enough not to mention any of this to her, as it would blow my cover if I intend to follow through with it.)

In retrospect, I felt personally attacked by this girl although that was clearly not her purpose. What did she base her accusation on? Did she incorrectly infer that I felt sad from a few circumstantial events:

1. I sat peacefully quiet while she felt the need to shatter any 2-second silence with feeble attempts at meaningful conversation (e.g. "How about them Dodgers" -- She's from LA.)

2. I diverged from walking with the group for a minute while I explored the new buffet next to the theater and to steal a "thanks for coming" mint. (Who would have guessed from the rodeo exterior decor that it was an oriental buffet?)

3. I wore my hood up on my puffy, orange coat. I was cold.

Was I just being (introverted) myself? Or did this girl, indeed, retain some powers of discernment from her mission days and see something in me that I did not?


Or was she really so shallow to assume that everyone in the world less-happy than she, must feel sad? If this is the case, I am happy to announce that there is a breakthrough medication that has just been FDA approved; it is acclaimed to be light years ahead of the currently popular drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine.



Maybe if our would-be date is going poorly, I'll crush up a couple of these babies and slip 'em into her drink:

FDA Approves Depressant Drug For The Annoyingly Cheerful

I'm interested in understanding how this girl thinks, so that I can resolve this issue about my own subjunctive mood. So even though I don't get along with her (right now), should I ask this girl out? If so, do I ask her under false pretenses? If not, how can I rectify my scientific aims?