"I was checking to see if the fireplace went out!"

I noticed she was looking again when I had a seat with my dinner.

I started to pay attention to see what she would do next while reading a depressing story about Bush's win in The New York Times. Even though she was sitting facing the window, she still turned around and looked at me at least ten more times during my first plate of spaghetti, and at least twenty additional times during my second plate. She also continually fluffed her hair and smiled. When I was just about finished, she moved around to the other side of the table (so that she was now almost facing me), and placed a call on her cell phone.

I decided to call her bluff, so after busing my plates I sat down and also made a call. Unlike her, however, I actually had something to say; I was discussing my future living arrangements with my father. She contined to look over and do all the other things. I had a lot to tell my dad, so she finished her call first and pulled out a paper to do what looked like studying. It was obvious, though, that she wasn't really studying, because she only looked at one paper for the next half hour.

Before I was ready to leave, I decided to go talk to her. The first time I approached, she had placed another "call" and I quickly turned away to "go to the bathroom." The second time she got the point and wasn't talking on the phone. I greeted her and she did as well. I asked her what she was studying as well as some other information and she didn't seem to have much to say. Finally, wondering what was going on, I mentioned that I had noticed her looking in my direction a few times (more like fifty, but I didn't say that). I'll never forget her reply: "I was just checking to see if the fireplace was still on!"

Finally, I asked her if I could "continue the conversation over the phone at a later time." She said "I'm sure I'll see you around campus" so I walked away and left the restaurant.

I'm not sure what you think, but this was one of the most ridiculous exchanges I've experienced in my entire life. Why would a woman continually look at a man so many times? It's not as if there was anyone else in the restaurant at the time, and there wasn't a fire in the galley behind me (but there was one in the fireplace, as one would hope she realized on the thirty-fourth glance!). She did nothing but waste a lot of both of our time if she was just going to act like nothing had happened anyway.

Obviously, I misinterpreted what she was trying to imply. However, even if I were the most unattractive person in the world, she could still carry on a conversation. I would find it funny if someone bumped into a chair when they saw me on a cell phone, and I would try to make her comfortable for at least a short time if she were nervous (which I was, but anyone who says that they wouldn't be in such a situation is a fool). Perhaps she had read that idiotic book "The Rules," and was acting like I had to kiss up for her attention. Regardless, she got what she deserved and I was glad I didn't have to see her again.

Just another (hilarious) example of the ridiculous games that are going on all around you....