The Absent Uncle: Overheard

Ever had one of those times when you are in a public place, say a restaurant, an airplane, or just anywhere that you are just sitting minding your own business when other people’s business becomes yours through no fault of your own?

Sitting quietly, lost in your own thoughts, all of a sudden you are overhearing a conversation from a neighboring group or twosome that, try as you might, you just can’t ignore or not hear. You are not eavesdropping; not trying to listen, but either the voices are so distinctive or loud, or possibly the subject is so salacious that you are trapped. Listening.

So, you have choices. We all do. We can walk away out of earshot (possible sometimes, but not always). You can try harder to not listen (good luck with that one). You can clear your throat and let the conversationalists know that they are disturbing you and to lower their voices (never tried that one – don’t know how it might end). 

So, none of these possibilities seem promising to stop the unintended eavesdropping. So, we listen on.

But what happens when what we hear is either insulting to our ears; totally wrong factually and common sense wise; or just plain gossip that is embarrassing to hear anyone say out loud.

You can’t just butt in and give them the benefit of your insights and sensibilities. That won’t work. You could shake your head and hope they get the hint you are listening. That is risky, too.  

Our minds are difficult to control (speaking for myself). You would think that we could just tune out the conversation and concentrate on our own thoughts. Maybe you can do that effectively and I need to work on that skill to eliminate this personal problem. 

Until then, move away when you can; turn up your earphones and listen to a book or music, and do your best to forgive and forget what you hear unintended for your ears.