I've been obsessing about this conversation I had with a new acquaintance who is a manager at a homeless shelter where I volunteer.


New Acquaintance (N): [She is talkative and upbeat- after talking we realized we live in the same city.] I have a booth at all the festivals.

Me (M): Cool! Do guys have fried green tomatoes?

N: We do!

M: I've always wanted to try them. I'll stop by for the festival this weekend.
I did stop by, and was embarrassed that I didn't quite remember what she looked like (my wife accuses me of being face-blind). I bought some of the fried green tomatoes and ate most of them- I shared some with my family.
The next time I saw her I was in the middle of an interview with another manager regarding some training we had just completed.

N: How did you like the fried green tomatoes!?
M: Well, they were okay- and I'm glad I tried them, but I like fried summer squash better. [I immediately regret saying this- why I didn't just say something like "they were great!"]



I just worry about the ways in which I might be irritating to people. After reading all this, I see that I do aim for honest communication- and I really can't control how other people react. And it's not like I got a strong reaction.