Studying at Starbucks Today

Anyone who has been to a Starbucks knows that people love to sit and study with a $4.00 cup of coffee... somehow we're all more productive with expensive coffee and ample opportunities for people watching.

So, I'm sitting and studying and minding my own business. Headphones on. Face buried in my copy of BRS Path. When a fellow asks me if he can use the chair on which I've propped my jacket and bag.

No problem. Here, let me get that stuff out of your way. I'm always happy to oblige. I know the etiquette.

And as he turns away with the chair I've so cheerfully relinquished, he turns back and says to me, "and you should be more polite to women with children."

"I beg your pardon?"

"No, that's okay, you should just be more polite to women with children."

A. I have NO IDEA what he's talking about. And I'm sure the furrowed brows on my face reflect that fact.
B. When I say, "I beg your pardon," I am NOT apologizing.

The girl at the table next to me, having seen the whole thing, remarks, "that was totally uncalled for."

I agree. Totally uncalled for. Unless he thinks I should offer up my chair to every mother who walks by me, regardless of whether she wants to sit or not. I'm not a mind reader.

Turns out his wife had a conversation with another guy a few tables down, who must have unceremoniously ejected her from his table. Hmmm... okay, maybe a case of mistaken identity. He and I both have beards, so maybe that was the description she offered: "that guy with the beard told me I couldn't sit there *sob*"

That's all well and good, but after someone (me) politely does you a favor, isn't it bad form to spit on him? I mean, really.

The guy was European, so maybe there are cultural norms at play here. But if you're a visitor in a new country, isn't that even more reason to be extra polite and forgiving? Maybe he's a racist and assumed, "oh, she MUST mean the BROWN guy with the beard." Or maybe he's just a douchebag and felt like bullying someone. Whatever. He's lucky he's in Boston and not in West Philly. Mouthing off to strangers doesn't go over so well back home. In my younger days, I'd have started some static... raised my voice, followed him, snatched the chair back, etc... but I'm too old for all that, now. No need to escalate the situation.

So tonight I offer this Anecdotal Evidence that:
1. Even in a place like Boston, regarded as a center of higher education and intellectualism, we're surrounded by idiots who, not only aren't able to find the right person to tell off, but also don't think of the possible consequences of their actions.
2. On the weekends, Starbucks is NOT the place to study if you want peace and quiet. The weekend crowd is so gauche. And pushy. And entitled. That's the worst. I have a real problem with that.
3. I have most assuredly softened with age.

Maybe next weekend I'll try the Boston Public Library, instead.