I’m genuinely a nice guy, for the most part.  I try to keep to myself.

But when opportunity arises, I like to engage in civilized conversations with people I hardly ever talk to.

I guess it’s me trying to expand my social skills.

Now, if I do engage you in conversation, this doesn’t make us friends, nor does it mean you should stalk me on Facebook by trying to add me six or seven times when I deny your request.

One conversation doesn’t make us BFFs and giving you light into my personal life just isn’t the type of relationship I was hoping for.

This brings me to this week’s ranDUMB conversation.

It seems like there is that socially awkward person in every class.

You know the one—the one who spurts out totally meaningless information, trying to include himself or herself in a conversation.

By doing so, he or she raises their voice, to make sure they are heard, but it is at that awkward moment when everyone stops talking.

Being “nice-nice,” I started a conversation with Victor, so he wouldn’t feel left out.

Me: Hey Victor, are you ready for the weekend?

Victor: My dog went psycho on me last night and tried to bite my fingers off.

Me: Wow!  Are you all right?  Did he bite you deep?

Victor:  No!  She didn’t bite me deep, but my fingers still hurt.

Me: All right then, I hope your fingers heal all right.

Victor:  Yeah, we’re going to the Inner Harbor this weekend.  I think I might have a couple of drinks.

Me:  That sounds good.  Are you even old enough to drink?

Victor: I have a false [I know, I know] I.D.

Me:  Cool man.  Have a good time.

Victor:  You should totally come.

Me:  It’s all good.  I already have plans, maybe some other time.  [My mistake]

Shortly after class ended, I went home and saw that I had a message on Facebook from Victor, who was requesting me as a friend.

I’ve only talked to him this one time, it wasn’t like we’ve had continuous conversations. So I denied the request.

Five minutes later, I received the same email. I went into Facebook, clicked deny again.  Again, another email, and I gave in to the request.

At first, I felt bad that I denied his friend request … so I went ahead, being “nice-nice,” and added him.  The next thing I know, he starts commenting on my pictures.

There is nothing wrong with that— then he starts stalking my timeline, commenting on all my old status updates.

I finally deleted him, and what happens? He sends another friend request.

I know that there are people out there who use Facebook as a popularity contest to see who has the most friends.

I am definitely not one of those people. I don’t like my timeline being stalked. And it’s not like I’m an interesting person, so it wouldn’t make much of a difference. It’s just weird.

Now I have to face Victor in class, and I’m definitely not looking forward to the awkwardness.

Note to self, STOP “nice-nice,” continue to be “Eric-nice,” and you won’t have these issues.

Stoopid!