Office is nothing but a version of school where everyone is taller and needless to say, meaner. So it’s pretty common that whatever distractions we faced in school more or less followed us to the corporate world. It’s fun, in all honesty, and some deep-rooted (resulting in long, loving marriages (oxymoron?)) relationships have been established in these halls and corridors. And what’s more important in a relationship than conversation. While in school, we would pass chits around; in college, came the smses and in office – the humble Office Communicator (OC). It is a sweet little messenger app that can give you stress (read – chat window of the manager/client) or infinite joy (the cute little thing you have been eying from the other team is asking you out for an ice cream!)
The OC is a savior for most shy people. They need it more than the others. A lot of people are tongue-tied face-to-face, but the distance between the two computer systems gives an almost-alcoholic effect! You become bolder, more outspoken etc. Mostly cos if the other person says yes, you can dance without convincing the other person to change their mind. If the other person says no, you still don’t have to see their shocked and disgusted face.
Now this is something that we observe about the shy ones using OC for purely non-official purposes. They ping a “Hi.” Then, lock their machines! Here’s why:
- You are shocked at your own bravado and you couldn’t think of what to do next; cos you didn’t think you’d really hit Enter!
- You wanna seem nonchalant. Going into an “Away” status shows you’re not dying for their response.
- You are beyond overjoyed when they ping you even though your status says “Away”. Shows how much they care! (think about when an annoying person pings you while you’re away from your desk. Your reaction: Away status dikhta nahi hai kya saale ko!)
- If they don’t reply, you still console yourself that it’s only because they thought you’re not at your desk and won’t see their ping. They’ll ping later (or not).
It all begins with a "Hi." Whatever else comes after that first “Hi” can either make it or break it for you. Of course, when you see them face to face, you won’t do anything more than blush stupidly without saying a word, but then your counterpart (or someone on those lines) isn’t used to you talking anyway. Handing them a bunch of printouts to read would be a far more productive option than actually trying to talk (but don’t worry, shy ones, it’ll come to you eventually. Give the words some time to form.)
Another thing the shy ones note is that the OC is quite limited in its emoticons. When you don’t need them, you do see a plethora of expressions, but when you do, they suddenly seem very inadequate in conveying your deep feelings… but the shy ones never complain. OC is like that loyal wingman that gives you the necessary courage to approach the unapproachable.
Always available, yet in the shadows of the system tray
True friend of the shy admirer, and the shocked brave
The ever-faithful Office Communicator. Copyright Petrichor and Clouds 2013 at petrichorandclouds.blogspot.com Please do not reproduce the material published here.
