Public Drooling

I just wanted to check my email, and since I was in the Monroe Public Library downtown (once in awhile I go there for a treat) I thought I would work at one of their public terminals for a few minutes. Next to me was a young man probably not even in his twenties yet. He was talking non-stop. I could barely think. It wasn't so much that he was talking out loud, but it was what he was saying. Good Lord, such drooling ought not to be allowed in public.

He and a friend were perusing a website composed of pictures of young girls - not in suggestive clothing or anything. It looked like some sort of blog site or webpage collection site. I couldn't tell exactly - maybe a dating service. The two of them were discussing how hot each "babe" was and whether or not they would like to date/kiss/xxx them. They even came up with their own scale.

I have to say that after one look at either of them, any girl in her right mind would run screaming. In fact, I would definitely NOT want such ilk gawking at a picture of me (even the way I look) for any reason. I couldn't believe their chutzpah at thinking they stood half a chance with any of those young ladies.

After the two of them finished drooling, the younger guy borrowed the older guy's cell phone, called a young lady and proceeded to carry on a long and senseless conversation punctuated with 'yups' and 'nopes' - I was so frustrated trying to concentrate on my own business, but constantly drawn into his despite my desire to be left alone.

I debated whether to ask him to please take his conversation elsewhere. Maybe best not to anger him. Perhaps I could ask a librarian to address the issue, but there were no signs posted about being quiet. I watched his time ticking down (you are allowed one hour). Maybe I could suggest he go back to drooling quietly on his own since his friend had exited the area.

I finally gave up and just left. I don't know what bothered me more - his unkempt appearance, his unhealthy obsession with girls, his youth, his lack of education, his arrogance, or his total unawareness (or unconcernedness) of how his behavior was affecting those around him.

It wasn't until afterwards that I realized how hypocritical it was of me to pass judgment on that young man. I had no right. In many ways we were different - our affluence, our education, our upbringing and the hand life had dealt us - but in many, perhaps more than I would like to admit, we were the same. How often am I inconsiderate of those around me? How often do I think of myself more highly than I should? How often do I try to enter a world that I am not equipped to function in? How often am I looking out for number one? Do I drool in public? God forgive me for my insensitivity.