So, last week, I kept thinking of things I 'had to buy' at the grocery store, and I would even mentally prepare a nice question to ask, maybe, like 'do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?' but then it turned out he wasn't working any of the times I went.
So today I got home late and just wanted some dinner from their prepared food counter. I got this yummy kale salad, and also some cheese, just because I like cheese. And then I went to the checkout and saw that his line was the longest and knew I would feel like a dorkface getting into that long line just so he could be my cashier. So I went back and asked the person in the body care section about fluoride rinse (it was eight bucks so I decided I didn't want it).
I returned to the checkout area and the line was shorter, just one person ahead of me, and my heart began to race a little bit.
It got to be my turn and I couldn't think of a single thing to say. Just smiled. A lot. Like an insane person. I couldn't even help myself if I wanted to. And said 'how's it going?' and 'no I don't need a paper bag, thanks'. And made LOTS of eye contact. And smiled hugely. Some more. Unfortunately still not much of substance in terms of interpersonal exchange here.
I am thinking actually of writing a little note and slipping it between two bills next time I go there (if there is a next time!!!). I am apparently reverting back to like middle school or something here.
Dear [name],
I like you. Maybe this is creepy because I don't actually know you. Call me if you think it isn't creepy (or if you think it is but are into that kind of thing). I am moving to [my new neighborhood] though... so otherwise, goodbye and thanks for being the nicest cashier in the store. :)
-Katie
Actually, that could be super awkward, because then he would try to give it back to me because he thought I gave him a piece of paper by mistake or read it while I was standing there and the people behind me in line and the person bagging the groceries would be watching and then I would want to run away.
Alternately, I could give him a paper with an internet link and then he could enter the link and see an image of a handwritten note. Ok this is maybe getting too Amelie for my liking. BAH.
Usually I don't have much trouble talking to new people, but this time I just feel pretty tongue-tied. Advice?