you seem like a nice lady

After writing about my dad last night I started wondering why he doesn't seem to face the same issues, that is, I don't notice people giving him weird unsolicited advice. I think that it may have something to do with the fact when my dad is tired of talking to someone he pats them on the head or back and says "you seem like a nice lady." Then he walks away. Maybe I'll try that.

if i could offer a word of advice

In the past few days or weeks I've found myself to be in various situations where total strangers are giving me advice on the strangest simplest things. For example, a few weeks ago a woman at costco found it necessary to tell me how to buy chicken - which is the least expensive cut of meat, what takes longest to cook and the big mystery of what is the difference between white and dark meat. In my heart I wanted to yell "DO I LOOK LIKE A MORON WHO HAS NEVER BOUGHT A PIECE OF CHICKEN BEFORE? WE'RE TALKING ABOUT BUYING CHICKEN, NOT SELECTING A DIAMOND RING!!!!" But instead, I nodded and acted as though she was sharing the most amazing information I had ever heard.
Yesterday I was shopping for pants for my daughter. Once again, a woman started telling me exactly what to look for - "make sure that they have some stretch to them, make sure that they're not low rise or her butt crack will show...."
I have to clarify that these people are not store employees. However, I need to confess that I may need to take some responsibility for what is happening. You see, these people are not approaching me. I'm approaching them. It's the "Jack Pool" in me (thanks dad.) I can't stop myself from talking to random strangers (and telling them that their babies are cute.) So, as I am realizing, I'm bringing some of this on myself.