You're In My Seat

Humans are creatures of habit. Most people have routines they follow or schedules they adhere to.  When something goes awry in that pattern, a small piece of us panics.

For instance, you go to class, and you sit in the same seat every day. Then one day, something's different. There is something foreign in your territory. Someone is sitting in your seat. Oh, no. You will not have this. 

But really, there is nothing you can do. Your spot is no longer yours. The early bird caught your worm, so to speak. There is an imbalance in your universe, and you're forced to accept it. 

You don't want to be the person who says "Uh, excuse me, *garble garble*, you're in my seat." You can just imagine the face you'd be given. The battle was over before it begun. 

UNTIL, the invader leaves! He is gone! It turns out he was only printing something before class. I got my seat back. 

Success!

Ha ha...

Everyone knows that person who is just bad at making jokes. If you can't think of one, I'm sorry. It's you.

This person makes their remark and then waits. They look around with a smirk, eyebrows either raised or at half mast. 

You have mere seconds to react. What do you do? Option 1: Indulge them. Squeeze out a laugh like it's you're duty.  People do this with children who have yet to grasp humor. And they chuckle like they didn't just hear the kid tell the same knock-knock joke four times.

But I warn you: if you open door number 1, it will never be closed. You are now the target audience, to be held captive if necessary. You may also be subject to elbowing or winking from that point on. 

Your laughter is a stamp of approval.  Use it wisely.

Depending on your mood that day, or your relationship with the joker, you might not be too eager to encourage their behavior. I know I've felt like giving the Squidward look to someone before.

Be careful not to crush their spirits. You never know, they might make you laugh for real one day.

Not bad.