Wednesday, September 15

Getting too close

There is a wanton noodle stall near my workplace that sells very good wanton noodles (and curry chicken noodles). For a while, I ate regularly at that stall and started striking up conversation with the stall owner, and been "friends" with them.

As time went by, my taste bud changed, and I started having other favourite stalls. Recently, I went back to this same wanton noodle stall to buy back dinner, and I was asked why I haven't eat their noodles for so long.

I stayed quiet and smile, waiting for the guy to smile back and forget about this conversation. I didn't want to go to lengthy explanations on my change in taste, and that his noodles are perfectly fine. Well, this awkward silence continued. He didn't smile back, so I had to come up with a "My family is cooking now", which is totally a lie, but something needed to break the ice. to which, he smiled and said "Haha, no wonder."

Have you guys ever gotten too close to some shop owners, and felt kind of guilty for not patronising them? Sometimes, I guess it's good to buy from strangers than someone that you got to know. At least there's no obligations.

10 comments:

Ice said...

Do you talk to stall owner everytime you buy something? I mean other than ordering what you want. Probably that's why they remember you :♦)

khengsiong said...

I recently sent my clothes to a laundry shop for the first time, the owner already remembered my name. Don't know why...

Unknown said...

It was a good answer tho it be a lie. I guess everyone wants to keep customers and you were one of them.

Wenny said...

Hubby and I always try to strike a friendly conversation with the owners whenever we can, irrespective the food's good or otherwise. It makes eating pleasant.

However, we normally spelt frankly that we were taking turns at other eateries too ... they normally understand.

the girl in stiletto said...

bahahaha you were being too nice!

TG said...

I always have my favorite stall, when I live somewhere. Be it Penang or Taipei, I always find something that suits my taste buds most. The last time in Taipei, I had my favorite crepe at an old uncle's stall. He was always friendly and remembered me, even when I was gone and Lily went back, so many stalls asked about me. Guess we were pretty obvious there :P

Lily Riani said...

my collie said am overly friendly to auntie/uncle at the office stall, hence if i dont patronise, they will ask.one chinese auntie got excited when she knew i just got back from china, she decided to chit chat with me on her mainland... ahhaha

Twilight Man said...

Most of them have sharp memories surprisingly!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shingot,

How have you been?

The hawker probably dun mean anything lah. Maybe he's really wondering out loud why he haven't seen you in a while. It's not like it's a big deal to him if you dun patronise his shop.

If i were in your situation, i would give him a big smile and order "the usual" in his face, just to reassure him.

Take it ez man

(T) (H) (B) said...

Nope cos I am too anti social.

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