I’m often in my own little world. Usually no one can tell. One of the ways I give myself away is that I respond to what I assume people should be saying instead of what they actually say.
The FedEx guy just delivered a package. When I answered the door I expected him to say something along the lines of “How are you?” So our exchange went like this.
FedEx Guy: “Here.”
Me: “Good, and you?”
He just walked away.
I also get myself into the “how are you” loop. It works like this.
Me: “How are you?”
Other person: “Good. How are you?”
Me: “Good. How are you?”
Other person: “Um…still good.”
That’s pretty much a signal that you weren’t listening and don’t care.
I also have a habit of closing a conversation with inappropriate trivial sayings. That works this way.
Other person: “My entire family just died and I have a terminal disease.”
Me: “I’m so sorry. Well, I gotta run. Have a nice day!”