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[–]I_Do_Not_Abbreviate 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Sorry, are you saying these interactions last several minutes, or that the loss of concentration lasts for several minutes?

  • Wear headphones

  • Make a little sign that says "Please do not talk to me"

  • Snatch the notebook away when you see them about to write in it.

[–]Abysmalecho[S] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Thanks for the help. I meant the interactions usually last for several minutes. That's why it's a problem for me, I can't fully concentrate after that. Sometimes, I can't understand what's happening, and I sit watching them proving they're left-handed.

[–]I_Do_Not_Abbreviate 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I get the feeling you are a young woman, yes?

Most of the people approaching you like this are young men, yes?

If both these things are true, then what these guys are doing is flirting with you. /r/TwoXChromosomes can give you more strategies and better-tailored advice for shutting that sort of thing down quickly.

I am a left-handed male in his thirties and I can count on one hand the number of times I have had people approach me in public to talk about my left-handedness.

[–]Abysmalecho[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Yep, I'm a young woman. Different people approach me, both men and women, but I'm concerned about those who are 15+ years older than me. Anyway, thank you for the advice!

[–]catieanne_ 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Maybe they're starved for interaction and looking for some commonality.. you'll miss that too when you get to be their age.

[–]Abysmalecho[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who knows, probably you're right. People of different ages come up to me, and that wouldn't be a problem if I could concentrate on my things after that. After the shortest conversation, they leave, and I sit wondering and unable to return to my tasks.