ARE you always bumping into wanker neighbours or people you briefly met years ago, leading to stilted banter with long, awkward pauses? Here’s how to pretend you haven’t seen them.
Have pre-established hiding places
Remember good hiding places. The fish aisle in the the supermarket, bushes you can hide behind, or – if you really don’t want to speak to someone – builders’ skips you can climb into and cover yourself with rubble.
Pretend to be someone else
If it’s someone you don’t know very well, pretend they’ve confused you with someone else. Deter them even more by pretending not to speak English with some gibberish like, “Si no esta Eenglish me speak!”
Set a precedent early
Whenever you first meet anyone, quickly plant the idea that you’re ‘face blind’. That not only gives you an excuse to ignore people years down the line, but in day-to-day life too.
Develop a sudden interest in odd things
Suddenly become totally fascinated by something and huddle over it. It could be a pack of scourers in the corner shop or a local post box. You might look a bit mad, but that’s an effective conversational deterrent in its own right.
Wear a disguise all the time
Most people won’t recognise you if you’re wearing a hat and sunglasses. However more observant people might require a wig or fake moustache, although this may be less effective if you’re a woman.
