A couple of weeks ago, I had a couple of days off after Gleek Retreat. I wanted to really use these days as a way for me to find myself back after being (or feeling like) I was lost in the midst of conference planning. Over the course of the 2 days, I spent time getting a massage, a new tattoo, drinks with new friends, watching a movie, going to the dentist… and well, painting pottery.
I had a Groupon type deal that I took advantage of a few months ago and decided this would be the perfect time to use this deal. I *love* painting pottery. It’s a HUGE release for me… and could be post in itself.
Anyway… that’s most definitely not what I’m thinking about here.
So as I was finishing up the pottery at the studio – the owner (or manager?) was walking around, keeping up on everyone and making sure we were all set. Periodically he would stop and chat with me. I thought this was because I was sitting alone… but it was nice to have someone to chat with.
As I was finishing up and cleaning up, he was walking through the hallway and asked “If you have the day off, where’s your boyfriend?” My response was something along the lines of “There’s no guy in the picture right now”. And I went back about my business thinking more about the task at hand and the need to get to work a bit later.
Shortly after, I paid for everything (or rather didn’t because I had the coupon and was )… and a couple times while I was trying to figure out what to do – since I hadn’t ever been there before – he said (or called me) “baby” a couple of times. One of my pet peeves when someone really doesn’t know me well at all. (Um, duh?!)
It was when I was driving home that it occurred to me that this might have been a pick-up line. Yeah… I’m *that* on top of it. Seriously. So I turned to my faithful twitter friends, and indeed they confirmed that for me.
Definitely a pick-up line.
This made me think about the “baby” comments a little more as well. Did he mean to say “baby” or was it just something he said to everyone? Was he trying to flirt?
I had to let it go… I knew I’d run into him a week later when I picked up the pottery so I decided to assess the situation again at that point. Plus, if I thought about it too much in that week, I might have imagined the relationship in full course. (Do all girls do this?)
This past week I went to pick up my pottery… was greeted by him as I walked in the door. He asked what my pottery looked like and I described it to him. He looked at me like I was crazy. Like it wasn’t there or something. Then all of a sudden he’s like “Oh yeah!” and starts laughing. (Cue me eye-rolling on the inside about now.)
After he picked up the vase & bowl I had made, he finished them and started packaging them up. He asked how my day was… I said “long, but good day so far”… he responded with “I know what you mean, I’ve been working since 11 last night. But at least I have a roof over my head, the kids are fed and the baby mama’s happy enough.”
At this I was glad that my order was ready… wasn’t sure exactly how to respond. I told him I really enjoyed the store & would be back sometime.
What do you think? Should I start becoming a regular at painting pottery? Or should I avoid the store unless I really want to paint… and then take a friend along for super-protection? 
Become a regular but take a friend to see what vibes she gets. Was he throwing out he had kids to see your reaction? Who knows…
I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one who doesn’t pick up on these things! But as it turned out, maybe that was the best in this situation? I’m thinking go back with a friend and see how he acts…that way you’ll get a second opinion and another piece of gorgeous pottery. (It IS fun to paint, isn’t it?)
I saw go back and get to know him a little better. Who knows what might happen.
I’m so confused… “the baby mama” doesn’t mean he’s in a relationship? with kids?
The baby mama? That’s a weird thing to say. I don’t know. I think you should come visit me. B/c the guy-girl ratio in this town is a blast for single girls!
Well, it’s hard to gauge. Maybe he has a friend? The baby mama thing says he’s in a relationship and since you didn’t hit on him back, I’d say you’re safe enough to go there alone or with a pal. I’d say if he still makes any moves, I’d call him out on the baby mama thing.
As a step-mother to four kids, I’d advise you never to go back there again – haha!
But I am still happily married, so maybe go back there with a friend and see what happens. And let us know!
Ack! Stay away from baby mama drama. Plus, I’d be so annoyed by a stranger calling me “baby.” Who does that? Be flattered by his lame pick-up attempt and by all means continue to paint pottery there if you liked it otherwise.