For God’s Sake
“You’re going to enjoy it!” a voice called out as I walked into a local restaurant for lunch. I turned expecting to see an employee, the owner perhaps, but this unsolicited review came from another diner, doggie-bag in hand, getting up to leave. “So, what do you recommend?” I asked. He recommended something I’d never order. “Thanks!” I replied. I did not know that this brief exchange had breached some social-etiquette firewall; this stranger walked over to my booth and sat down. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said. “It’s fine,” I replied neutrally. He began to pour out his life’s story.