Caught!

I looked over this prompt and I admit that there could be a thousand ways to interpret this. And most of the ways, quite literally. But, I’ll be a little more figurative. Not to dispute the validity of anyone’s view but just air my thought on it.

I thought of the several instances that I’ve seen this play out and everyone that I caught all had that same expression on their face like they were borderline embarrassed and looking for the next hole to jump into. I don’t know if I’m guilty of this because I am and like to think myself as more subtle on the very few times I’ve done this.

Trying to gain someone’s attention. Trying to get someone to notice you. I don’t mean those gestures that could get someone to notice you over time, I mean those straight-up ones where you’re with the person right there and there are other people in that environment. I’ve seen this a lot of times in social gatherings and events and almost always cringing from second-hand embarrassment.

As someone that tries to be as invisible as I possibly can and seeks to be a wallflower a lot of times, I just can’t help but notice these things. Yes, it’s established that I love observing people. And again, not in a stalkery way. If I was in a random place, just observing, I’d have to do my infamous people-lyzing, but if it's an event, I don’t need to since the people there provide enough entertainment for my mind not to wander.

I’ll tell you one of the times I’ve witnessed the attention seeking act play out. So, I had this seminar I was attending and I was actually early to the event. _{I know, big surprise.} And the good thing about arriving early to an event is that you get to choose where you seat. And yours truly, as expected, sat at the back. Some huge dignitaries were expected at the event so soon after I came, the seats filled up quickly and the event started.

For some reason, my eyes picked up on a lady that shouldered her way, a tad aggressively to the front just before the event started. Why she insisted on sitting in that particular place was a puzzle to me but I didn’t think too much of it. Maybe she just wanted to get the full impact of the seminar. So, in the course of the event, it was time for the lead dignitary to give a speech.

He was quite funny, I’ll give him that. Very efficient at wisecracks that made the audience laugh their inhibitions away. But, to my amusement and irritation of the other guests, the aggressive woman of before kept laughing. And this wasn’t bad, except that long after the joke would end, she’ll keep laughing in that sultry but annoying way that everyone must have picked on as trying to gain attention. And the worst part was that after each laugh, she’d finish with statements like, “Oh my, what a hilarious man,” Or “Wow, such a witty man,” and she didn’t even bother to whisper.

This continued in every statement the dignitary made. Even the ones that were supposed to be serious. I could tell the man was uncomfortable and maybe could have kept talking, but the lady’s statements were getting more forward by the minute so he stepped down to the dismay and bristling of the crowd.

The event was done soon after and the dignitary and his crew stayed to talk to some young entrepreneurs. However, Attention Lady wasn’t done with him in the least. She kept laughing and following him everywhere. It was more than embarrassing at this point and I honestly wondered what she was trying to gain. Then, she overstepped as she touched the man’s arm in a very obvious way.

The dignitary erupted. To his credit, he didn’t outrightly insult her even though she well deserved it but said in very firm words that he found her actions unsavoury and bordering on harassment and that she should have some dignity for herself. He said a lot more but this is what I remember.

I’d never seen someone of colour turn so scarlet. She was embarrassed to the tips of her shiny red shoes and said a quick apology to the man before hurrying out, head bowed. I felt sorry for her to be honest. If she wanted the dignitary’s attention, there are other ways to go about it that could have saved her the embarrassment.

I have no issues with trying to gain someone’s attention but don’t just get caught cause rest assured, you’ll look more than silly, especially if it’s the person whose attention you were trying to gain that calls you out on it. It’s just impossible not to look stupid when you’re caught in attention-seeking acts like that.

Anyways, that's my two cents on it. Similar views and contradictions are welcome.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Jhymi🖤

_{This is my entry to The Hivenaija Weekly Prompt}

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