Recently, I was given a pair of badges by an author which would allow me to let people know when I am feeling social, and when I'm not. My first thought, when I saw them, was how much I wished they were legally binding, so to speak. As in, if I was in the office and turned my badge to 'Not Feeling Social', no one could talk to me about their investments, kids, travel agents or pension plans. Only if the badge was showing 'Feeling Social' could we have a discussion - or even better, go for a nice cuppa and a chat.
Another situation where these would be useful is in church. I don't go to church any more - not because I have lost my faith (which I haven't), or because I don't have a good church to attend (which I do) but because the social aspect of church is way too much for me. I know people are just being friendly, and that church is by definition a Christian community where people interact. However, I find it so difficult to make small talk while we have coffee, or even to greet people who are sitting around me at the beginning of the service (a tradition commonly known as 'passing the peace').
I want to emphasize here that I'm not saying that coffee time or passing the peace are bad ideas, I'm just saying that they make me panic. I wish they didn't, because I believe in the value of the Christian church, but it does. And whenever I'm in church, I don't want to say that I'm uncomfortable, so I just try to interact anyway, and often end up running away before the service is over. If badges such as these were set up, and anyone could wear one to show that they're not up to conversation, that would make it much easier. I think. It's worth a try, anyway.
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