There was an incident that happened at work and I’m still confused about what the hell happened. I’m even more confused about what this means for my friendship with WhiskeyGirl…
I eat with the same people every day – we usually discuss mundane things, but occassionally we’ll travel into the depths of political ideals. We all know and accept each other’s political differences (some people have a more difficult time with this than others), but since we’ve all known each other for years, we’re fairly comfortable with each other. We NEVER bring up these topics when other people sit with us, we are at work and we know better than that.
One thing we do not discuss is religion. While the majority of the table is in agreement with one religion, myself and another person disagree with them. Pearl just has a different ideology and I’m an athiest. It’s a political death-wish at most companies to admit that you aren’t religious and don’t believe in a god. I like to keep it under my hat because of this, and because I’m not in the habit of assuming what anyone else believes or in caring what anyone else believes. Unfortunately, that can’t be true for all people.
WhiskeyGirl is from the bible belt, and one night while we were at a bar she started to ask me about my church. I thought we were good enough friends to confide in her and didn’t think she would care. She was drunker than I first realized, because she jumped down my throat about it in a very garbled speech, letting me know that hell-fire would consume my soul. Mmmkay. Well, it isn’t like I haven’t heard that before. Later we talked and she admitted that if we hadn’t been drinking, that wouldn’t have happened. FYI – that’s not really an apology, but I let it go.
So imagine my surprise when WhiskeyGirl sits at our table and begins a long monologue about different churches, then confronts me about my (lack of) beliefs.
*Crickets chirp*
RT and Dizzy – both known for their outspoken ways – were sitting looking away from WhiskeyGirl with their arms crossed. A blind person could read their body language; apparently not WhiskeyGirl, though. The only person interested in the conversation was Pearl. She’s relatively new to our circle and caused some difficulties when she first started eating with us, because we were censoring ourselves before we trusted her enough to discuss our politics.
I have a bit of a temper, but usually not about religion unless someone is attacking or berating me. WhiskeyGirl was doing both. I counted to ten, tried to picture myself on a beautiful beach and then ended up debating with her anyway. I ended the conversation well, I think. I basically said that everyone at the table has a different view and the only view you should care about is your own. Then I changed the subject to something less incitive. For the rest of the day it irked me that WhiskeyGirl had gotten a rise out of me. I usually know better than to debate at work where others can hear me. You might think I’m parinoid, but I’ve had one of the HR executives talk to me about Christianity and offer to give me books about it. Obviously, he didn’t know that I’m an athiest. People have great predjudice about Athiesm and I’m not going to make enemies over something that no one else should care about.
After work, Dizzy pulled me aside in the parking lot.
“WhiskeyGirl came to our table looking for a fight. Everything she said riled you up, and while I could see you were fighting not to say anything, she managed to call you out and you responded. That wasn’t smart.” I told her about the bar.
“Then I’d watch out. Someone who tries to make you angry on purpose, especially when you’re clearly in a minority group, isn’t your friend. If the wrong person heard and it bothered them enough, they would let you go for “business reasons” – maybe the economy, maybe because of budget cuts or consolidating jobs – but either way, you’d be gone. I’d watch out what else you tell her.”
Now I’m plagued with doubts – is WhiskeyGirl really my friend? Since that day, she’s been friendly toward me and never brought up religion again. But I can’t help but take Dizzy’s advice to heart…
Hectic & Harried 
Dont Mind Me
Apr 11, 2011 @ 16:28:47
My my, aren’t I just the regular stalker these days? I’ve actually got a boat load (that’s a lot, apparently) to say about “work friends” one of the stories ends with me, in a headlock, being rammed into a wall… but I simply can’t be bothered to write about it!
Also, “A blind person could read their body language”… that was awesome. I think you’ve just bagged yourself a “fan” (read: NOT stalker)
zoogie2
Apr 12, 2011 @ 11:24:52
Sure, you say you’re just a fan and not a stalker but I’ve heard those words before from the guy who sits outside my window with the binoculars. Maybe he would go away if I stopped giving him a free show every night? Or I could start charging him. I’m a giver, not a taker; I could use the extra cash though…
Headlock? Rammed into a wall? I had assumed you were male, but thanks for the confirmation. I really enjoy being right. If you’re taking votes, I think you should write about that story. You didn’t sleep with your “work friend’s” significant other did you? If so, please include details and/or photos. I think we all deserve a thrill.
As for boat load, I think it depends on what kind of boat. The Titanic? Hell yeah. A tug boat? Not so much. On the other hand, the creepy guy sitting next to me at this internet cafe (read: Starbucks) just assured me that although he too has a tug boat, it’s not the size of the boat, it’s the motion of the ocean. How did he know I get seasick on small boats???
Stop by anytime š
Dont Mind Me
Apr 12, 2011 @ 12:35:13
Pssh, I could totally be a female and still get head-locked and rammed into walls. You are right though, so I’ll allow you to enjoy that. As for how the night culminated in such a manner… hmm, I guess the easiest way to explain it is:
My ‘work buddy’ thought I was cock blocking him. Plenty of details but no photos I’m afraid. I’ll consider writing it up… hell I could totally give the people in it awesome nicknames!
I’m really hoping you guys use “cock blocking” across the pond in the same way we do, otherwise it may look like I’m a screaming homosexual, itching to make some witty pun about the aforementioned tug boats.
I do still kinda want to make that pun though… Oh well.
Keep up the goodness Zoogie. I’ll be watching… from a distance, with a camera (optical zoom, in case you wondering).
Aj b33m3R
Apr 12, 2011 @ 12:02:27
Remember this, something I’ve learned after 40 years, friends are people that want something from you. Most of them anyway.
Dizzy is right, WhiskeyGirl has an agenda. Try not to be on the opposing end of it. Religion is too hot a topic for the devout. It’s too easy to poke holes in their faith, destroys their world and the wall they’ve built around themselves. Those types of conversations are best left for more reasonable company. These days I just tell them, “I believe in God, it’s his followers I have issue with.” That usually shuts them up.
Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it. That’s what I say… Well some philosopher said it, I’m just passing it on! 8)
I’ve enjoyed reading through your blog.
zoogie2
Apr 12, 2011 @ 13:04:33
We do use the term “cock blocking” over here and it’s a perfectly good reason to assault a friend. Kudos to your work friend for finding an appropriate way to vent his frustration. I’m a tad disappointed that you didn’t find a way to use a tug boat pun, so I’ll cling to hope that you’ll find a way to work it into a comment some day.
I think I’ll update my Facebook, Twitter, and carve an short paragraph on the Rosetta Stone announcing my excitement that I have a high tech stalker. I’m moving up in the world. Show starts promptly at 9, no late seating.
@Aj Thanks for the advice! I’ll be sure to remind my friends to cut to the chase when they ask for things. š They like to ramble on and on about their lives, but I’ve got a day job and a drinking problem (ie: when they start talking I realize the problem is there isn’t a drink in my hand).
You’re probably right about WhiskeyGirl, I just learned exactly how reckless she can be. I’ll try to have a post up about it in a few days. Suffice to say that water cooler gossip just got taken to a whole new, incredibly stupid level.