This is something that I should not be ranting about; it involves a senior citizen, and we should respect them. But I am annoyed at this particular senior’s behaviour.
I was working in the public library, with headphones on. This old lady walks up to me, and I turn slightly to face them. I could see them in my peripheral vision. I continue to work, but suddenly, she starts talking to me. I reluctantly take off my headphones and listen. She is speaking in Mandarin, a language I do not speak. In addition, she is showing me her iPad. It must be a question about how to use a function on the iPad.
Immediately, I say to her “Sorry, I don’t speak Chinese”. A few library patrons look towards me. The old lady closes the iPad and continues walking. I put my headphones back on and continue working.
What is with old people walking up to ME, and ME in particular, and then start talking to me assuming I speak whatever language they speak? Also, don’t they get the hint that I’m wearing headphones? Surely this is a good enough DO NOT DISTURB sign!
At least I apologised that I couldn’t answer her question.
But this also raises questions about when is it okay to ask library visitors random questions.
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