What’s the pettiest reason you’ve gotten the “ick”? —Thursday Thread #5
www.lettersfromastranger.com
Hi friends. Welcome back if you’re an OG subscriber and a warm welcome if you’re new here! This Thursday Thread is where I’ll pose a question and we’ll share perspective, experience, and insights in the comments. Ya’ll. I read the funniest thread about “petty ick’s” last night and thought we could all use a lil’ wholesome midweek laugh. I’m so thankful to share space and read all of your responses. I’ll be tapping in tonight (with a glass of vino) and throughout the day tomorrow. Today’s question is below.
Photo taken by Nneka Julia on 35mm film in Los Angeles, CA (2021)
What’s the pettiest reason you’ve gotten the “ick”?
ick (ˈik) —used to express disgust at something unpleasant
Summer going into Freshman year of college.
I get asked on a date by a dude I found relatively attractive. He was known for being more hopeless than romantic, but I was willing to give it an evening. It’s a “surprise.” He doesn’t tell me where we’re going or what we are doing. We pulled into a drive-through movie theater. He parked, rummaged in the backseat, returned with a handful of assorted chocolates and candies.
So far, so good, right? More romantic than hopeless.
Ten minutes into the movie he gasped and turned towards me, right hand slowly dialing down the volume. “Wait. Did I tell you I’m trying out for my school’s acapella group in the fall?” he asked. “No…I don’t remember you ever…mentioning it,” I replied. Excited, he insisted on performing the entire piece, to which I should’ve said, “Absolutely! You can do the whole thing after the movie,” in hopes that over the next two hours, he’d forget.
But, of course, that’s the exact opposite of what I did.
This man. I kid you not. This man sang acapella five inches away from my face for ten grueling minutes straight. Enclosed car. THREE full-length songs from Thriller (big Michael Jackson fan) and ONE Stevie Wonder jawn. He was sweating. He was sanging (all the way off-key). He was panting. He was dancing. Veins protruding.
I didn’t know where to look. I didn’t know what the hell to do with my hands. All I knew is that I could not laugh. I. Could. Not Laugh. So I ended up humming, and nodding, and clapping along.
Bad acapella, coupled with the image of me snapping along, gives me big ick.
Kicker: He did not make the acapella team that fall. Or, ever. Bless him.
What’s the pettiest reason you’ve gotten the “ick”?
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
I really did lol at this
Lmao I’m crying at the singing
I woulda stepped out of the car and walked home 😭😭
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David