Page 10 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien
Seeker: Are you busy?
Jeneticist: Not at the moment. What’s up?
Seeker: Just wondering how you are. Making sure you’re well.
Jeneticist: Aw. ??
Jeneticist: That’s sweet! Is it because I’ve been scarce in the group chat this week?
Seeker: I was a little worried. Normally, you’re very…
Jeneticist: Chatty? You can say it. I text more than I talk in real life, though.
Seeker: In person you’re more of a listener?
Jeneticist: You could say that. I mean, if I know someone well or really like them, I’ll talk more. But normally, I nod and smile. I’m always worried about people judging me.
Seeker: I would say their opinions don’t matter, but sometimes they do. For social reasons or matters pertaining to professional advancement.
Jeneticist: Exactly. I’m so glad you get it.
Seeker: I’m a bit of an outsider, but I understand societal conventions.
Jeneticist: An outsider?
[five minutes later]
Seeker: Sorry, I had something to deal with.
Jeneticist: It’s okay. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. If it’s too personal.
Seeker: No, I want to tell you.
Jeneticist: I’m listening.
Seeker: You could say I’ve always been…searching for something. And I’ve never been able to find it. So I substitute experiences for that elusive sense of “yes, this is where I belong.”
Jeneticist: Wow. You don’t fit in with your family?
Seeker: I think they must be disappointed in me, although they’ve never said so.
Jeneticist: Maybe not. You seem pretty flipping awesome to me.
Seeker: Do I?
Jeneticist: You’re deflecting. Just say thank you.
Jeneticist: That’s what I had to learn to do when people paid me compliments that felt untrue or unwarranted. I have to believe they see something I don’t and that they’re sincere in their praise.
Seeker: That is an astute observation.
Jeneticist: I’m definitely not flattering you.
Seeker: Then…thank you. For seeing something that I don’t. ??
Jeneticist: Thanks for checking in, by the way. It’s nice to have someone reach out, wondering how I am.
Seeker: Is that not the norm?
Jeneticist: It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day and not touch base with people. I’ve been grading end-of-term papers and just been buried in work.
Seeker: Is that why you’ve been quiet in chat?
Jeneticist: Yeah. I’ll be done soon, thankfully. Then I get a break.
Seeker: Any exciting plans?
Jeneticist: I intend to talk to you more. Does that qualify? ??
Seeker: It does. Definitely.
Jeneticist: I was wondering…
Seeker: What?
Jeneticist: Never mind. I’m not feeling brave enough today. One day maybe I’ll ask.
Seeker: And I’ll be here when you do.