They Smile In Your Face...

I was recently at a "meeting" with some "co-workers." Okay, I was at a play reading with actors, writers, theatre company members, and a director. But that's all the specifics you're gonna get out of me. Anyway, there was one individual there who did not want a certain other individual involved in the process. At all. Let's call the parties "X" (for X-tra Hater) and let's call the other individual "O" (for Obliviously-Hated). The thing is that "X" didn't want "O" to be there. So much so that "X" came up with a ridiculously outlandish scheme to get "O" off of this project. That idea was vetoed by more sensible heads, thank goodness. But at this point, everyone in the room, with the exception of "O," knew how much "X" wanted rid of "O."

But here's the funny part (and by funny I mean sad): when "O" walked into the room, "X" greeted "O" with a big-ass fake smile...AND A HUG! Now, I know that it's probably the professional thing to be polite and not air one's hatred publicly. But professionalism went out the window long ago as far as "X" is concerned. "X" let everyone else know the problems with "O" but never bothered to let "O" in on it. So happy little "O" comes bouncing into the room, oblivious as usual, and receives a big, squeezing, arms wrapped around, holding close embrace from someone who doesn't even want them around.

Perhaps "O" isn't so oblivious after all. I don't think you can completely not know certain truths that we sometimes try to play off, like: your man is cheating on you/didn't pull out/is gay, you are over the speed limit/spending limit/drinking limit, your payment/period/movie rental/library book is late, etc. And maybe "O" knew exactly why "X" hated working together. Maybe "O" sensed it. But that's still not the same as someone telling you, flat out. "I don't like your work habits." "You're doing this, that and that other thing wrong." "You just annoy me." Shoot, say something. But don't smile in somebody's face when you hate their guts. And for goodness' sake, don't hug 'em. Unless of course you have a knife in your hand.

- Inda