The most obvious offenders are the mentally-ill, typically homeless individuals who rarely turn my head, but instead stir the unanswered questions: Who is looking out for you? Do you have any family? Why aren't we, as a society, providing for you?
There are those that I see everyday who tug hard at my heart-strings, like the old woman at Metro Center and the gruff, clearly schizophrenic man, near Dupont Circle. I forge unlikely and completely fantastical relationships with them, planning the conversations we would have if I had the guts to talk to them; picking the hotel room I would rent for their hot shower and comfortable night's rest. But there are others for which I feel less sympathetic. Like the guy I pass almost every night after work that asks me for money. Maybe I should give up the grudge, but one night last summer when I lightly shook my head for lack of spare change, he yelled after me that I was a bitch and that my ass was big.
I don't stare, laugh, or shake my head at these individuals as they shatter social etiquette, I am sure many of them are simply unaware of these rules. But I do have to hold up my jaw or stifle a giggle when seemingly normal people completely disregard accepted behavior.
Rule Breaker #1
There is a girl in my neighborhood that frequently walks her dog down the street just outside our building. She is a twenty-something white girl who dons a ponytail, a beagle, and ear buds. My first encounter with her was from our third floor window. Ryan called me over to gape. Oblivious to the world, she walks her dog while belting out whatever song she is listening to. The hilarious part is 1. She is so loud we can hear her from our third floor window and 2. She is a terrible singer. Terrible.
I have seen her on other occasions, accessorized the same way (ponytail, dog, ear buds.) I've actually walked right by her. And she sing sing sings.
Check back soon for Rule Breaker #2.
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