A Word of Advice to the Guys...

#personalblog #copywriter #gym #weightloss #creepy #music #leavemealone

So, there I was at the gym, on the peck deck machine (which looking back now, I suppose could elicit a few sideways glances from the guys - arms are all back behind me, chest thrust forward - reminding me of the age old pick up line, "I bet you can't touch your elbows behind your back,") and I notice this young, somewhat creeper-looking

dude checking me out. I think I was stunned for a moment because this is the first time in like 8 years that I have ever REALLY been checked out by a dude at the gym (thanks, SparkPeople.com!) I didn't know if I should be flattered or grossed out. I decided to be neither and ignored him and somehow managed to convince myself that he wasn't really checking me out anyway.

The peck deck machine happened to be my last exercise for the day (I do my cardio first) and so I go over to this little area in my gym that isn't really a stretching area, but I like it for that reason precisely. I don't have to compete with the chicks who are really good at crazy yoga/pilates stretches and plus our designated stretch area is, like, in the middle of all the haps where everyone can see you downward dogging it. No thanks. My little spot is out of the way and, usually, I can stretch in peace.

Well, if you haven't guessed where this story is going...The creeper-dude comes over to my area and SQUEEZES himself between me and the wall (there is a pice of equipment on the other side of me) and starts talking AT me....I say talking "at" me because, clearly, since I have both my ear buds in my ears and am rockin' out to my jams, I can't hear a word he is saying. Something he fails to notice. I couldn't help but smirk at him, like what a dumbass you are.

After seeing that he was asking me a question, I pull my ear buds out impatiently and say, "Huh??" His response was, "So, is it upper body day for you today?" REALLY???? I just look at him and can't help but give him the you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me look and, before I can stop it or think about it, the first thing out of my mouth is, "How old are you?"

I don't really know why I asked that. I guess it was because I got the distinct feeling that he was very young and a total noob at talking to women.

He actually answers my question without flinching (he is 24). I let him talk about himself (true sign to run the other way) and ask me my name ("Oh, that's such a beautiful name!" he exclaims <insert eye roll>) and am amazed how age has allowed me to see right through him (did I mention that I am NOT 24?)

I think there may have been a point in time when I was much younger that I would have been intrigued, flattered or even thought he was cute. WOW, how things change and thank God they do.

After about 3 minutes, I kind of, meanly, I admit, cut him off and say, 'Well, it's been nice talking to you, gotta go!" and bolt - partially because I am super uncomfortable/self-conscious and partially because I really think this conversation is basic and I have a life to get back to.

So, the advice that I have taken a bit to get to for you men out there:

1) If you see a woman with TWO ear buds in know it is because she DOESN'T WANT TO TALK TO ANYONE. You are not an exception.

2) If a space on the stretch mat/someone else's stretch area looks too small for you to fit your body on, IT PROBABLY IS. Save your dignity and go find your own space.

3) If you do choose to interrupt my time at the gym, you better be frickin' Bradley Cooper. If not, keep walking buddy, keep walking.