Lesson #4-Don't chime in on another conversation

You know how sometimes you find yourself listening in on another conversation and you think something is funny or silly or stupid or whatever and you end up wanting to put your two cents in, have a reaction, make a face etc. Please don't! Apparently people don't like that too much. 

For the most part, it was an empty train. A reader on the right, a sleeper on the left. Nothing too spectacular. I was positioned right in the middle of the cart; in on all the action. In some seats directly in front of me, facing each other, two men (early 30s) engaged in an intense, energetic discussion about college football. Being a fan of such discussion, I paid some attention. At first, I was just listening. Shortly after, however, I found myself watching them as well. Looking from one to the other whenever they spoke. I was totally engaged. 

I don't think they would have minded seeing as how they weren't aware of anyone else's existence. Unfortunately, I found one of their comments particularly interesting and decided to share an opinion of my own. WRONG MOVE. Wow! Their conversation came to an abrupt end as they shot menacing glances my way. I froze. There was an awkward pause, because I managed to croak a polite "I'm sorry. Please continue your discussion."

What the hell was I supposed to do now?  I had another 15 minutes on the train and I couldn't exactly move. That would make things more awkward. Luckily, they got off over the next two stops and my embarrassing situation was over. From now on, I am minding my own business...always!

So there you have lesson #4. Simply put, don't throw your two cents in on another conversation.