I went to the local county fair last night and discovered a funny thing about myself:
As a nurse at a relatively small hospital, I find my uniform and my name tag give me certain privileges as I walk through the hospital. I can stop and talk to anyone I want, whether I know them or not, and people LIKE it. If I smile at visitors or patients that are not mine, they frequently stop to chat. I never really thought about it before, and am not sure if I am explaining it right. And this extends to kids, too. I can talk to any kids wandering around the hospital and it is fine.
Well, last night at the fair, I was smilling at and talking to kids, and it took a little while to realize that I was getting weird looks. It took longer to realize that it was because I am so used to being able to do it at work, that I for some reason carry that behaviour out the doors! Then I felt silly, cause all anyone saw at the fair was a crazy woman walking around talking to people she didn't even know. :chuckle
Have any of you ever had an experience like that? I must remember that I am not as "important" outside of the hospital as I am inside. LOL
Laura