filed in Myths and stereotypes
Just One
At the synagogue to which I belong, there are a lot of couples and young families, probably outnumbering people who are single. This week begins the Jewish High Holidays, and I went to the synagogue’s office to pick up my tickets for the event. A person at the front desk asked me my last name, and said, “are you picking up for just one?” It reminded me of the kind of thing that I hear from the butcher when I order a pork chop. “Just one?” But I let it go. Once the front desk person located my tickets, before handing them over, she said again, “Just one?” This time, I couldn’t stop myself. I had to say “yes, one, but not just.”
Illustration by Jing Wei
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What a terrific response! I’ll have to steal that one from you.
And L’shana Tova.
Steal away. And much thanks for the new year’s greetings!
I used to say “Just a table for one” when I would go out to eat alone, but I have deliberately removed the word “just” in the past few years. There’s nothing “just” about a single person!
You are quite right. I am going to try and stop saying “just one” or “just me” when I am on my own at a restaurant, etc.
No “just” about it.
Exactly right.
If I only present myself and I am clearly alone, why is it such a surprise I want one ticket? Or one place setting?
And she had to ask twice. That’s what really bugged me.
I always get this in restaurants when I go out. That’s the only place I’ve ever heard it. The only reason I can think of is that they’re not sure if you will be have others joining you (or if your invisible rabbit friend is going to join you)!
You’re right. That’s another time when I’ve experienced the “just one.”