Do I Know You? (and other silly questions I've been asked)

No. I don't have a cousin named Theresa.I was not in Cancun last year.I did not go to Madison High School. No, I don't have my hair done at Maximus. I have never been to Hemingway's. No, never.I never worked as a salesgirl at Fortunoff's; nor at Macy*s.My son was not in scouting, so, that would be no..I was not a den mother.I do not go to St. Bernard's Church.I never dated Vinny T. Who is he?No, I don't ride the LIRR out of Hicksville.My husband does not own the Colony Diner. Yes, I'm sure!          

After answering their question, with my negative response, I would leave them dumbfounded and longing to discover WHERE they may have met me before!  Most women (because we like a challenge) would struggle until they realized that it wasn't me that they knew from somewhere.Years ago, it would worry me when I was told that I have 'that kind of face'. What exactly did that mean by that?!  Did they mean, I was not unique but rather ordinary and commonplace?  Phrases like, "You look so familiar," "I know you, don't I?" and "I remember you..you're______, right?" would upset me.

I have grown to realize that it was not what the people SAW that was familiar (my face), but rather what they felt, while speaking with me. This happens to everyone, every so often. You meet, for the first time, a stranger; a chance encounter on the railroad, let's say. You exchange small talk; possibly laugh together about something. 

By the time you reach your destination, and you say 'good bye'.. you feel as if you have known them forever. Not that you know much about them, but you can tell that you had connected with them at some level. You're almost sad, that you are parting. Connectiveness (don't Google that word) occurs when you are able to be open and not resistant to others. That moment of familiarity is actually the recognition that we are ALL of the same fiber! Sure, this makes sense now! You're talking about sports (on the railroad again, after the Rangers winning at MSG) with the stranger sitting next to you; he is 'open'..well, sure! He WILL remind you of your cousin Howie!! Howie and you always agree about sports!  

That's his familiarity! You may ask the stranger if he knows your cousin; odds are, he won't. Nowadays, the majority of people are not open, but closed. They never look 'familiar' to anyone! They fear talking to strangers. They barely make eye-contact.  I am in the minority, and maybe, you are, too!! I talk to people as I wait on line at Stop N' Shop.

I make friends at restaurants, with the people sitting at the next table. I compliment mothers on the excellent behavior of their children.  So, when we meet one day, and you say that I look so familiar, and do I know Krissy Mou..don't be surprised when I say, "Yes! I do know her!" Peace.