Why? Two words. Witty. Banter.
My advice for young players is that it is all well and good being friendly with your local cafe folk, but just be aware of the risks of venturing into "banter territory."
How do I know this? Read on....
A few months ago, I started working in a new place. And naturally, one of the first things I did was to find a purveyor of caffeinated beverages near my place of employment.
In choosing a new cafe, these are the criteria I used:
- Coffee tastes good i.e. barista actually knows what they're doing.
- Reasonable price. No more than $3 for take-away.
- No more than 5 minutes walk from work
Attractive staff
All was fine and dandy at first. Until the regular barista decided that I was "banter-able."
The following conversation now tends to ensue with unfortunate regularity....
- Barista (grinning): Sooooooo, how's your day going, my dear?
- Me (pretending to be absorbed in the newspaper): Err, alright
- Barista: Only alright? That's not what I want to hear.
- Me (trying desperately to think of something witty): Yes, well.....(having a brain wave) How's your day going?
- Barista: Oh, you know. Better now you're here, ha ha!
- Me (trying to look "flattered"): Hmm. Yes. Well. Thanks (Frantically searching for smart quips in deepest depths of brain). Hey, why aren't you wearing your favourite hat today?
- Barista: I have to give the brain a bit of air. Do you like me better with my hat? I always like to please the ladies, you know (big wink)
- Me: Erm.....
This sort of "banter" occurs EVERY DAY now. Although it's even worse on Mondays and Fridays, when I have to endure some "witticisms" about my weekend.
And it drives me mental!
I'm all for a bit of small talk, but this sort of exchange leaves me totally floored. I have NO IDEA what to say, as my organ of wit seems to have shriveled and died.
