When did we get so cynical?

Today was my 29th birthday, but that's not what this entry is about, although, I must say that my best friend, Justin, failed to tell me happy birthday yet, and I'm mad at him for that.

Ok, on to the topic, which is SUSPICION and CYNICISM. Today, I was coming home from study group, and was sitting on the subway looking across the aisle and up at a poster advertising some type of art fair where you can rent space to do sidewalk art. Out of nowhere, the guy across from me noticed me reading it and asked if I was an artist. Surprised, I just said "No, I'm just reading the poster" and avoided looking him right in the eye. My lack of eye contact didn't stop him though, and he asked why I was carrying a balloon on a stick shaped like Big Bird. Fair enough question, I guess, and I explained that my friend got it for me for my birthday. He then proceeded to ask what I do, ask about law school, etc.

Out of nowhere, a lady sitting next to me, a lawyer, asked me about law school and we struck up a situation. I was relieved to have the diversion from nosy guy, but when she left, he started up again, asking me about things that I had mentioned in my conversation to the lady. He then moved across the aisle and sat next to me so he could hear my answers. When I reached my stop, I said, "This is me. Nice talking to you." He said that same, and I was on my way.

So here's the thing. I was IMMEDIATELY suspicious when he started talking to me. Was he hitting on me? He wasn't cute, so I wasn't encouraging him (not that I hit on strangers, but cute ones are more fun to talk to!), and he knew I was married, so what did he want? Why is he moving across the aisle? What is his angle?

As I left, I couldn't believe how cynical and suspicious I have become. He was a nice guy who was just asking about my life. He didn't make a move on me, he didn't ask my name/number, he didn't pry more than normal people would pry in a conversation, so why was I so against talking to him? I have no idea. I imagine that back in the time of stagecoaches and the like, if you DIDN'T strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you, you would be considered a rude and horrible person. Now, if you make conversation, you are rudely butting in to someone's private subway-riding time. People wear headphones simply to avoid having to talk to others.

Anyway, I felt pretty bad about my suspicion after the fact - maybe he was just a harmless person making conversation. I guess now that I live near a big city, my guard goes up quicker. I should definitely work on that!