strange encounters of the milwaukee kind

Have you ever been insulted (not assaulted) by a stranger? This past Friday after work, I was meeting a friend for a walk around the Thrid Ward. I was walking through The Shops of Grand Avenue Mall (what’s left of them anyway because let’s be honest, there are hardly any) when I encountered a decision – either take the stairs or wait for the elevator. Seeing as I am an able-bodied, twenty-something gal, I decided to take the stairs unknowing that this would result in a quick jab from a stranger.

As I encountered the stairs and glanced at the elevator, I did notice that there was a man in his late 30’s waiting for the elevator. It was not because of him that I decided to take the stairs, but I guess he noticed my hesitation when I was trying to decide how lazy I was going to be.

When I got to the bottom of the stairs, the elevator doors opened up and the man who had just seen me on the 2^nd floor walked out. We made eye contact and as we started to walk out the doors to Wisconsin Avenue he says to me “You came down those stairs quick! Luckily I’m not attracted to you. I don’t think I’d be able to catch you if I was.”

Though I think he was just trying to be funny, it came off as a slight jab. Will I take it to heart, nah – I don’t think so. It was just one of those moments when you’re like – “wait, what did you just say?”  

Maybe I just found it odd because earlier that day I was walking into my apartment building and encountered a man sitting on the street eating from a box of cereal. He looked me up and down and said “hello” in a strange voice. Why was he just sitting there on the sidewalk eating out of box of cereal – doesn’t he know it tastes much better with milk? (Note: I am not being insensitive, he was not homeless) maybe he’s friends with the guy who sells incents out of the front of his motorized cart right outside my building. I could see that. They could be friends.

Thank you, Milwaukee for always keeping it interesting.