It began...

So I've put the first full week of classes behind me, I've procured and perused all pertinent syllabi and I've made friends is all of my classes, not.

I don't talk to people.

Ever since my early teens I have had a physical aversion to chatter, small-talk, chit-chat, and the like. It sets me on edge to hear the nervous tone in the voice of the person two chairs over as they put their insecurity into words by uttering that first little self-deprecating comment to the person next to them in an attempt to "break the ice." Whatever euphemism you want to inject into the situation you will find that there is some obstacle to be overcome by being the first to speak to those around you. I'm not interested in debating the origin of the urge, it's prevalent and that's enough. I am interested, however, in discussing the widely held but rarely acknowledged belief that to sit in silence with strangers around you is in some way rude.

I could very well be saving you months of awkwardness by recommending that you do not strike up a conversation with that seemingly harmless person to your left. She/he could easily be the most insipid person you've ever met but, by setting that ball rolling, you've identified yourself as a blank canvas for their prosaic, rambling, paintbrush.

Could be that you find yourself a friend, could be that you find yourself with nowhere to run when Mr. or Mrs. close-talker, mouth-breather, or spit-spitter just wants a good chat.

Your call.