Ryan Goes to a Hardware Store

Jon and I walk into a hardware store, we've been here many times before. It’s smaller, with a helpful and friendly staff. However, I’m distracted as I didn’t comb my hair after getting out of bed.

Wondering what my hair looks like consumes my thoughts, I likely appear as though I had just rolled out of bed. Strangely I don’t really care what strangers think of my appearance, but, for some reason, I consider bed head to portray weakness. Its not as though I plan to negotiate my hardware supply costs though, so I question why I care about my potential bed head.

I then realize, I was wearing a winter hat earlier, and that likely matted down my hair. A few moments of peace in my brain. I then realize, I hadn’t actually worn a winter hat earlier. That thought was incorrect. I resume wondering what my hair looks like. Suddenly, I realize I’m talking.

I’m talking to the hardware store guy.

I think I just said “thanks”. Then:

Hardware store guy looks confused: “Can I help you find anything”

Me, “No thanks, we’re just looking.”

After saying it, I felt weird, as if I had just done something socially awkward but couldn’t quite figure out what it is. Seconds later:

Jon: “You just said the same thing twice.”

Me: “What”

Jon: “You just said the same thing twice.”

Me: “I did?”

Jon’s perception of what happened:

Hardware store guy: “How are you today”

Me: “No thanks, we’re just looking”

HSG: “Can I help you find anything”

“No thanks, we’re just looking.”

I begin to question how often I don’t listen to other people. How often do I have conversations with people when I’m not actively involved in the conversation? Do other people do this? Am I normal?

Eventually we leave the hardware store.