On the defensive

Hello readers. I've noticed something. Sadly, I noticed it and composed my thoughts about it while intoxicated. I hope you'll understand if my thoughts are slightly less coherent than usual. We've all had those moments (some of us more than others). Let me have mine.

Anyways, I went out to a bar with my cousin the other day. $1 burgers and trivia? Count me in! I was slightly late, having to take care of some last minute RA business. Yeah, I'm one of THOSE people. Deal with it. Also, it's quiet hours. So shut the fuck up. I get to the bar and sit down at my team table. I forget what our team name was, but it contained the word "poop" and needed to be pronounced in a special way to make it sound funny. Indeed, it was hilarious. I was on the end of the table next to a table of 3 older women. Little did I know the fun I would be having.

For these three women were Britain natives vacationing in America (their team name was English Roses, slightly wilted THEIR WORDS). And what makes a better impression on foreigners than getting drunk and stupidly attempting to answer trivia questions? NOTHING. Luckily, they all loved my antics and we became the best of friends. Well, the best kind of friends you can have for a single night. Throughout the trivia game, we may or may not have cheated by helping each other. What kind of hat did Jacky Kennedy wear to this event?
"Oh dear, she was our idol! It was a pill-box hat, trust us!"
And we did. And we got points. Obviously our trust was well-placed.

I even had a serious political discussion with one of the three BEER IN HAND. Who of you can say that you've done that!? I'm willing to bet that not many of you have.

But throughout the night I found myself reticent to tell them of my gayness. "Why is that?" (I ask myself in my bathroom after getting home that night) "I'm perfectly comfortable telling complete strangers, but not three delightful British ladies?" Why would I be so defensive all night about who I am?

It is certainly a possibility that they would have hated me. But what would be the difference? We all acknowledged that we'd never see each other again. I think it mattered to me because I was having a good time and I didn't want it to end. But it is also possible that I completely misjudged them. For all I know, they could tell! My orientation isn't exactly difficult to guess.

So, to the English Roses I had the pleasure to meet Tuesday night at a bar in Chicago, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry for pre-judging you. I'll make sure I don't do that to the next vacationing trio I meet.