Introvert zone

So there's a male version of me on the train since I got back from California. It's creepy. At first, he stuck out because he's at least 6 feet tall, which few of the Quebecois men here, are even close to (which I have to admit, I dig. I like the smaller, devastatingly handsome, sprightly, quebec men). Despite his long legs, and athletic physique (he's not the physical male version of me, that's for sure.), he has this slow, downtrodden sort of walk and this way of moving very delicately and deliberately. I do this when I'm going somewhere I don't want to go. I walk and move exactly like that. He never smiles, never talks to anyone, hardly looks at anyone and always sits in the same seat in the back corner of the car, the "introvert zone".

Like me, he always has an ipod on and closes his eyes during the ride to block everyone out. I know he's not sleeping because his face never relaxes. He's always slightly frowning. He pulls himself in a little closer when others come and sit in his area, despite his size and leans against the window for support, looking outside, poker-faced. He doesn't seem psychotic or creepy. He's not unabomber queer. He just seems to really want to not stick out or interact with the crowd and seems also a little depressive but socially well-adjusted enough to be polite and civil.

Maybe I just notice because I have "extreme introvert" radar, being one myself or maybe we just stick out like that amongst everyone else who is chatting, snoring, rustling papers, barking into cellphones, restraining squirming children...and so on.

I found it interesting to watch him for a while, to see how much he reminded me of myself and to see what my manner projects to others. It's extra strange that he is so tall and actually, quite handsome and yet acts like a phlegmatic, reserved, outsider. His physique says : Volley Ball Team Captain, his manner says, moody lonely guy. That's our main difference, I feel like my physical self sort of goes well with my manner. My dishevelled, dumpy look matching with my moody plodding along in the shadows.

Of course, I could be projecting it all. It's possible. I'm not sure why I would bother. I think it's more likely that I've spotted another person who is a far down on the scale of introvert as I. We are rare as heck according to the Kiersey temperament sorter. T is one too. I would have spotted him the same way in a crowd. I don't think this chap has spotted me. He never looks at anyone, but then again, I might seem like I don't notice anyone also. I'm pretty sly. Maybe he is too.

I've started sitting at the other end of the car (we have chosen the same car. I chose it because it's the least popular and I bet that's why he does too.)and I face the other direction. I feel like there's only room for one major introvert per car end. Besides, if I stick out to him as much as he sticks out to me, I'm uncomfortable with possibly being that visible. We both move and act to be the most invisible and unaproached as possible for a reason. I guess I could go to another car entirely, but I also don't want to be turfed out of my territory.

You are insane, Monsterteeth. Look at you making it all up in your head.

Look, I know a vibe when I feel one. I can read between the lines, man. Plus, it's more interesting to focus on, than all the other, perfume and cigarette stinking, noisy, space-taking, burping, coughing, twitching extroverts ruling the world and the train.

This morning, we actually crossed paths a few block from the train station, on the way to work. Nearly walked right in to one another going perpendicular ways, but we both avoided collision, despite walking with heads down, and ipods on. Radar. I slowed slightly in my gait and he veered slightly to one side and we passed without meeting, looking or acknowledging. Quietly and impersonally, the introverts way.

On a side note: I noticed, for the first time, there is a little sign on the train platform with symbols indicating that upstairs there is coffee, tickets, information, a bank and...gloves and umbrellas. A little joint symbol of gloves and an umbrella. One of the first things anyone thinks of when exiting a train?? No sign for food or doctor or pharmacy (which are all in the station) but, hey, you need gloves and an umbrella?? Don't worry, sign says they got them. Maybe they should mark out the introvert zone on the train with a little symbol also. Maximum capacity: 1.