I don't object to stalkers, or people that keep track of my status messages or blog posts. (By putting this information out there, I am taking that chance. And I know who the lurkers are). I don't even mind adding the friend of a friend of a friend as a friend of mine. But some actions move beyond the realm of curiosity or gossip. Why does the luxury of anonymous, instant connection bring out the dumbest in some of us?
1. "I met you on the subway in NYC last July, and you gave me medical advice for my mother. Can we connect?"
No, we cannot. I am not the random stranger that dispenses prescriptions (or medication) on the commuter rail. And if I were, you probably don't want to be linked in to me anyway.
2. "Can you send me the neutrophil killing protocol you used? And also, the PO numbers for the EMSA kit and antibodies and.."
I graduated. I wrote a dissertation and papers and left copious notes and CDs behind for a reason. Let's see if you can figure out what that was now. And if you can't, feel free to send me a polite, professional email at the contact information I left. Wait to see if I respond before bombarding me on Facebook.
3. "You used to write well. This is crap."
It's my blog. Find yourself something better to read if you don't like it. Constructive criticism is welcome, unhelpful, unpleasant opinions are not.
4. "Please tell me what _ was like when he was your boyfriend five years ago."
Yes, random stranger, I am itching to share the most intimate details of my past with you !! Let's find some pink pajamas and fuzzy pillows and have a girly party online, shall we?
5. "Will you marry me? I really think we could have something good together"
Sigh.. Hours of talking on chat and the phone, conversations heedless of time and time zones and cultural differences. The bonding when someone from another continent fixes your computer issues is a different level altogether, isn't it? But difficult as it is, I think I'll stay here and resist the urge to drop my life for the Dell customer care rep I think you are.
6 comments:
Oh man! That was interesting. Some of the stories were beyond ridiculous!
But definitely made me grin...
:)
ha ha ha.. supremely irritating!! but in retrospect is worth a laugh!! :) :) of course the sarcasm helps :)
Hehe Dell customer care rep was totally funny. And I loved the "if you don't like what I write, go find another blog to read"
This one was funny. Some people see the profile pic and send friendship requests saying you have a beautiful smile can we be friends. How liberating it is in such cases to click on ignore. :)
@ Sumi and Veena- Yeah, however annoying/ bizarre they are, in retrospect they are always good for a laugh :).
@ Perception- with that kind of helpful suggestions I have no idea what else to tell this person!
@ Rafiki - I guess the convenience and sense of liberation that come with anonymity go both ways.. no fears of being rude with such requests! :)
Hehe :). Silly people. I'm sure there is some Bollywood/Kollywood movie romance that the Dell guy was trying to recapture ;)
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