Beware the Tellers of Stories

I do a lot online, but today I got creeped out by a recently risen star who concentrates on dark stories. Let’s leave his name out of it because what I’m saying here is impossible to prove and I could be held liable if I were to give his name.

But things just don’t add up in such a way that I can believe he’s for real. His posted material all dates to one or two years ago, but not much bears a date more recently despite claims of posting what amounts to a schedule equivalent to a typical workweek.

I’m easily creeped out but I should have stuck with my gut the first time I saw one of his posts: don’t trust this guy or anything he says.

I unsubscribed, and feel better except for the fact he lives too close by for my comfort. If he were located in Bosnia I would still be creeped out. Not far enough away.

But this dude’s 100 miles away. Then there’s the mysterious missed call and a text from someone in that area just two hours ago.

Probably means nothing, but even if you’re paranoid, that doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. For all I know I could wind up anchored at the bottom of the Atlantic in front of “Her Majesty’s secret safe.”

Pizza in the Morning

I’ve written words of praise for a local pizzeria for several years. It’s not Domino’s or Pizza Hut. But a few days ago I wanted pizza and was the first customer there. I was ignored for 5 minutes but I understood. Then several employees came through the door. I said good morning to them in Italian because when they came in, they said it. One of them laughed at me, and then, rounding the corner to get behind the counter, stared at me and sneered. I placed my order with the counter man and he said, give it 10 minutes and come back, as if telling me to get out and not wait inside. I didn’t have to pay until I came back, so I didn’t. I went back outside and sat on a bench and smoked. As I thought about it, I became very distressed by the treatment I’d been given. Not angry, not hurt. Just had bad vibes, as if going back in there would be a mistake. I said to myself, fuck this and went shopping at the grocery store instead. I never went back and I never will again. Treating customers with open contempt is the sure sign of a place to avoid. I also changed what I had written as a review in Google Maps. Because with that level of hate for customers, I shuddered thinking what they might be doing to their food, like adding extra ingredients, you know?

Avoid toxic assholes. Never go near them. Learn from experience. Pay attention to what others say and do.

Above all, follow your gut. If your belly tightens up, it may be telling you wrong, that’s true. But I’ve found that 99 out of 100 times, I was wrong when second guessing myself. From always being treated with contempt, I trust my gut. Sure, sometimes I’m wrong. I’ll give you that.

Usually though, I’m not.