eating alone

[Ron Nossaman]

>
>>
>>  Besides, as a boss I had many years ago when I was working as a waitress
>> said, "Diane, they are going to eat the hamburger, not you!"
>
>
>
> Oh great, another potential anxiety factor to weigh into the equation! <G> Hi
> Diane.
>
> Look at it this way: if we weren't all essentially socially maladroit, we
> wouldn't be piano technicians in the first place. Accept it. Embrace it.
> Share it with others similarly encumbered (endowed???). Lunch is an excellent
> and traditionally acceptable venue for neurosis comparison in an informal and
> generally friendly and low expectation sort of atmosphere. Dinner, on the
> other hand, is somewhat more structured and specific as to socially allowable
> deviance. This at least partially explains the greater likelihood of
> relatively easy access to and tolerance of the results of relatively excess
> indulgence in alcoholic libation at evening as opposed to mid-day functions.
> The evening needs an excuse. Or perhaps not. Choose accordingly. I suppose it
> depends of who's "normal" you're using for baseline. At any rate, (depending
> on the price of a Big Mac in your part of the world), it shouldn't be too big
> a deal to communicate and possibly connect with a fellow geek to share a
> table for a meal (unless you flail and splash excessively, or are uncommonly
> prone to the "vapors"). Controlled (empty) hand gestures are an effective aid
> toward communication in the early stages of becoming acquainted, but should
> be used in moderation, and at a comfortably low gesticulative speed and
> amplitude once seated at the table. "No sudden hand movements" is a good
> policy overall.
>
> A hint from your Uncle Ron: A good icebreaker is to compare tools that you
> carry with you everywhere. Try it. You'll be surprised what the average piano
> tech is prepared to dismantle on the spot, without having to go get the tool
> case. After that, it's easy.
>
>  
Ron N