I discovered I have a special talent. It’s one I have used for years, unknowingly. Last week I was out celebrating a friend’s birthday at a food hall. There was a DJ playing all sorts of fun music, from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme (of which I am proud to say I know all the lyrics) to Tom Jones (10 gold stars if you can identify the connection between these two). A few of us started dancing along to the music. I feel as though I should clarify what dancing looks like in my world. It means embracing my inner (or not so inner) nerdy, white girl and letting her loose. Think a less-coordinated Kristen Wiig.
We were having a great time in our little dance party for women-only when a guy tried to gate crash. I was not having it. As he pushed his way into our dancing square, he tried to, as the kids say, “dance up on me.” I immediately moved away, while still dancing, and got this look on my face, which said “no” (like a Grumpy Cat “no”). Within seconds the guy got the message and ran off. My friends all erupted into loud exclamations about how great my response was. To be honest, it was practically unconscious.
I don’t know if that is a good or bad thing. I mean, in that moment I was glad that the guy was chased off. But it makes me wonder how often I give my Grumpy Cat face and send all sorts of non-verbal messages amounting to: get the f away from me. Am I always a good judge of whether or not that is necessary? I often relate to the character Liz Lemon from the hilarious show “30 Rock.” In one episode Liz is out at a bar with a friend when a guy tries to start a conversation with her. She immediately responds harshly, missing his cues.
I suppose my question in all this is: How do I remain open, while still having good judgment? No answers yet, but in the meantime, here’s to goofy dancing and mozzarella sticks!
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