I hate family gatherings. The last time I was in the midst of one, at least six people commented on the way I looked, talked or even breathed for all I knew. They had a gala time being boisterous and smart mouthing about most things which they’d never be able to say out loud in the real world, at least thats what I inferred.
Almost every person beckoned me over and asked – Did you recognize me? Heck, I dont even recognize the same person I met six months back and we’re talking about years and years of reunion here. The only option was to bare my teeth and nod furiously saying – Of course I do! How can I forget.
For instance, I was summoned by someone who’s my great aunt, when in truth I couldnt tell the nature of our relationship to save my life. I walked up to her and a couple of her friends sitting inside, assumed what I felt was a respectable position and then started getting grilled about my life since I was born to 30 years hence.
Then suddenly, this lady at her right snorts out of the blue – Hah, now she doesnt recognize me! Do you know who I am? DO YOU!?!
I assured her that I didnt.
(I didnt want to start knowing her anyway since she seemed to get real angry by this point)
She kept scowling at me while saying – You people dont even know who I am. Huh! You dont know anything at all!
By this time, she’s twisted her body so much trying to face away from me in anger while I apologise – Erm, I’m sorry… for not knowing… who you are… I really am.
And suddenly this one lady to the left of my great aunt exclaims – Well at least, you know who I am, dont you???
I took pity on her overtly eager face and decided not to ruin her happiness so I agreed that I did, while in fact I didnt; and in the end, she had a big smile on her face while I exited from them all in a hurry.
And just when I thought all was lost, I got to know that an old childhood friend was also present there. So I went in search of her excitedly, hoping to revisit the past and walk down memory lane. When I finally met her, she gaped at me, gave me an awkward laugh and announced that she couldnt believe it was really me. After a short silence (and several awkward laughs later), I lunged for the door and excused myself from the affair saying I’ve got a long way to travel back home.
These things are just not my cup of tea. And I doubt I would be returning to another one for a long time to come. I figure, if I want to be talked about, ogled at and be at the receiving end of smart comments, I’ve already got an Orkut profile for that. I believe that real life’s meant for something more substantial. Like blogging. So here’s the post.
