Bus Etiquette and the Italian

There is an unwritten and unspoken mode of conduct when on the bus. they cant just be MY rules, right?

So I get on the bus yesterday, minding my own business. I'm overjoyed having spent the evening in the presence of a genius, aka Jasper Fforde. High praise, maybe, but when I'm doubled over laughing due to something he's written and astounded by his writing skills, I remain steadfast in my opinion.  But I digress. . .

I've left the Town Hall, wandered downtown (it's about 9pm at this juncture) and find a transit tunnel to start my journey home. I am triumphant in this quest, dropping me first at UW to catch my second bus home. Ah, the 75 arrives. It's fairly empty, which is great because it's late and who wants to be with a bunch of strangers at 10 at night? No one. I go to the back, close to the back door for easy escape route.  I'm astounded when a man sits next to me... Mid thirties maybe? I look around, there are open seats everywhere and he's cornered me by the window.

I go into my tirade in my head about bus etiquette and protocol which involves ALWAYS taking empty seats away from people. You don't sit by strangers if you don't have to, and yet this one did... My brain immediately turns to realization from movies, books and stories I've heard. Oh, no. No no no. He begins verifying the bus. He furthers his cause asking if I'm a student. He's from Italy, I learn.. He's lived in Switzerland, London, Paris, and various locations. He speaks of traveling. He works in Bellevue. He asks my name. I'm flabbergasted and give him my actual name. I usually use Sara when I want to lie. I curse myself for my honesty. He asks about my lacking boyfriend. He asks me about things I like to do. He likes Washington, but the people are uptight. Not like me though. (oh vomit) He is touching my hand. I'm attempting to crawl up the window. I get off the bus early and walk the rest of the way. He may have been nice. It may be a cultural thing. It was, however, 10 at night on a bus. Back. Off.

This doesn't happen to me. Really ever. I came to the conclusion that should this happen again, I will use Simon's purposed marriage proposal to my advantage. I let him know, he has no choice in the matter.