Excuse me, do you play Tennis?

"Excuse me, do you play Tennis?"

That was the question a man asked me when I was on my way home yesterday from the gym. I was wearing an orange sleeveless t-shirt with the word "Tennis" printed on it. Having just got back from Greece, I am burnt! My skin reflects a dark tan, closer to black, I would say.

I replied, "Sorry, I don't play Tennis."

The man smiled and said, "Oh I see. Thank you."

I smiled back and walked on.

It was just a simple incident but it has some sort of an impact on me.

First lesson : People assume and form perceptions in their mind based partly on what they see.

I deduced that the way I dressed and the colour of my skin may have given the man the idea that I am a sporty person. And since my shirt had the word "Tennis" on it, he assumed I played tennis.

Second lesson : Having the courage to speak to someone you don't know.

I admire and salut the man for having the courage to approach someone he does not know and ask that simple question. People build barriers and boundaries around themselves to protect themselves. It takes quite a bit to step out of these boundaries and do something that one does not normally do. I could have reacted politely or aggressively. That was the risk he took.

If the human race is more trusting and accepting of one another, this incident probably would not account for one of my entries in my blog. But, as imperfect as life is, there is still a certain degree of distrust and suspicion among people.