Friday, June 24, 2016

Psychic Secrets

When I stand in long lines, I usually vibe on the woman right in front of me. Maybe I’m bored, but I think it’s the physical proximity that does it for me. I don’t have to touch someone to be able to read them, but I like to either hear a voice or be less than a foot away. I’ve done email readings, but they are more difficult for me, like pulling gum off a shoe.

Back to the woman in front of me in line. In the old days, twenty years ago, I used to just blurt things out. Now I’m more polite. When they shift with impatience at the wait and look around, I say, “Do you want me to tell your fortune?”

Some laugh and turn their back to me. I wait, since the ones who laugh usually turn back around and ask, “Can you DO that?” Some get a stony look, or a frightened one, and say no, and then I feel badly for the intrusion. Others get excited and stand way too close for comfort. When they do say yes, I’m spun into another pickle. How do I tell their intimate secrets with all the people in line nearby? So I tone it down and speak like a person does when they don’t want a child to hear sexual facts or swears.

“Your (whisper: sister) is having a lot of trouble dealing with the loss of her boyfriend. Are you aware he keeps coming around? Try to talk to her about it. And your (whisper: husband) hates his job so maybe you can help him find another one. Or tell him to wait until the (whisper: long-faced red-headed guy) leaves. It shouldn’t be longer than a year.” And so we go until we get to the front of the line, or until I’m exhausted.

You don’t need to be a psychic to experience something similar. Just be friendly and start a conversation with a stranger. Your warmth, empathy, and advice could bring pleasure to an otherwise dull day.

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