Yes, it's time for another installment of Harlot Fevah's "How *not* to pick up women". I realized that my first post about this subject really shouldn't have been the only one. It's selfish, and you may stand to learn more if it's a continuous topic.
You may be shocked to know, that not all men try to pick up women solely at bars. Oh no, my friends. It happens wherever you look. Wherever there is mingling of the sexes, you will find bold men trying to pick up less-than-eager women. And for some reason, I seem to attract all the crazies in Boston, which is why it's fairly easy for me to make a list of things NOT to do.
This lesson today, will focus on "T" etiquette. For those of you who haven't had the extreme privilege of taking the T, just know that it's a magical world of drunken college kids, the smell of urine, people bumping into you and many "oops-how-did-my-hand-get-there?" type situations.
1.) When a woman has her iPod in and is just kind of staring off into space, this isn't an invitation to touch her in any way. It really isn't. I don't care what you may have to say or ask, it really is just a pain in the ass, and we don't like to put up with it 99% of the time.
Example: I was listening to my music, holding onto the pole for balance when out of nowhere I felt someone touch the top of my hand. Thinking it was just due to the shuffle of people on the train, I payed no mind. When it continued to happen, I turned around to see what I would have first assumed, as a normal-looking man. As soon as I had turned around he asked me: "Where did you get that scar from?" and instead of saying "Well sir who I don't know, I received this scar in 4th grade when I tried to take a strawberry out of a friend's lunchbox and she scratched the top of my hand...forever reminding me that my love of food exceeds friendship.", I decided the best response would be: "Sir, I have no qualms about kicking you in the balls if you touch me again."
2.) If you do happen to break the rules and try to start up a conversation with someone who's clearly not wanting to be talkative, don't persist if said woman is reluctant to conversation or touch. It's really not ok. If you get the shrug off, or threat of ball-kicking, you should consider yourself warned and back away with what dignity you have left.
Example: No more than 3 minutes after Mr. It-Puts-The-Lotion-On-It's-Skin touched my hand, and I made my threat, I felt something brush my hair. Once again, praying to some higher power, I wanted to believe that this was due to the rush of people on the train. But no, I turn to find the same man petting my hair, as if I were a prize pony needing a good combing. My mistake, I didn't realize the equation "touch me again = ball-kick" was so sophisticated, that a simple psycho couldn't understand. And to make matters even worse, this was followed up with a "Do you dye your hair? It's so beautiful." Stop it. Really. It's just too much for my little woman mind to handle. Fortunately, I was able to make my way to the other side of the train before murdering this man. Getting arrested on the T for assault probably won't help me out at all.
3.) Don't tell a woman that you are an ex-marine in the hopes her ears will prick up and her eyes will glimmer, when you clearly are at least 40 pounds overweight. It looks like you may have trouble picking up a suitcase, let alone lifting weights. It's not something to really be proud of, and we're not impressed.
4.) When the train is coming to a stop and the woman you've feebly been trying to talk to goes to get off, don't use the line "You're leaving already? Damn, I didn't get a chance to get your number." That will merit you a hearty laugh in the face, followed by a quick exit into the crowd, never to be seen again.
To sum up: In what world is it ok to touch a stranger? Certainly not mine. In what world is it ok to constantly bug a stranger by touching them and asking retahded questions? Again, not mine. But, maybe you could find women that like this...I certainly haven't come across any recently, or ever, for that matter.
In a phrase, "what about me says approachable?!". Hope you jotted down some notes for use in the future and ladies -- watch out when riding the T...you never know what idiocy may occur.

