I met a new woman at work today. Another colleague brought her into my office...we had actual work to discuss...but then her eyes drifted to my bulletin board.
I don't have a huge amount of personal stuff in my office: a couple pictures of my niece and nephews, a little stuffed animal on my monitor, and a calendar with pictures of my pets.
"Are those mice?" she asked, with the hesitancy you'd expect from someone hoping for, but not expecting, the answer to be yes.
"Nope, they're rats." I said. I always say this brightly, as if no one would question it.
"Oh, yeah," said the coworker who already knows me. "I forgot to tell you, if you need to know anything about rodents, talk to Nic. How many do you have now, Nic?"
"Fourteen."
The new coworker visibly paled. "As...pets."
Now, I'm not a jerk about this. I said, "Yeah, as pets. I know it freaks some people out...I was creeped out by rats until I was personally introduced to one...but they're really cool."
Turns out the new coworker was traumatized by a rat as a child. I nodded sympathetically. I said I could see why she wouldn't want to meet one. I mentioned my dog. (I'm normal!) I mentioned work and thanked her for the help she'll be giving me. (I'm professional!) I said I was happy to meet her and was sure I'd see her soon, although she was probably overwhelmed by all the new people she's seeing today. (I'm friendly!)
She said "I'm sure I won't forget who you are."
(I'm...creepy.)
Posted by Nic at June 2, 2005 09:15 PMLOL; phobias really affect the whole person, so don't take it too personally. So many people are afraid of dogs, at least among Orthdox Jews, that I've gotten use to people screaming as my dog, who does't scare either birds or cats, comes to the door. Mind you, he normally isn't even barking, has a dopey looking face, and a hopeful wagging tail (he just wants food and petting), but scream they do!
Posted by: Rachel Ann at June 3, 2005 04:07 AM