The Stare

Saturday I attended my first event for my new job as publications intern at the Temple University College of Education, the Dean's Fall Reception. In order to get to the restaurant, I took the Broad Street line to Olney where a co-worker picked me up and drove me the rest of the way to Germantown- so nostalgic, by the way. On the train a crazy man decided for some reason to target me with his loony antics. He sat next to me and began loudly speaking gibberish, insisting that I acknowledge him. I glanced and then continued reading. This angered him so he reached over and tapped my arm. I'm not really a fan of being touched in general, especially by strangers and even more especially by crazy strangers. I snapped up from my book and said, "No!" very firmly. He just stared at me blankly. I held his gaze for close to a full minute, scolding him in my head and channeling my most commanding demeanor, while simultaneously praying that he would just move on to the next victim in his little game. Finally he looked down and sat quietly for the rest of the ride. When I got off at my stop, a guy who had seen this take place- like the rest of the passengers- came up to me and said, "How did you do that?"