Get away from me, Crazy!

What is it about having a pregnant belly that gives any stranger on the street permission to say inappropriate things? Maybe it's just that I work downtown and there are more "interesting" folks down here, but I really feel like it's nobody's business unless they just want to say "congratulations". But does anyone do that? No. First it was the male passerby on the street who muttered something like, "dang, wish you was my baby mama". Then it was the strange guy on the crowded train yelling from 2 rows away all of his questions about the baby, and telling me about all of his cousins' babies and when they had birthdays, etc. Immediately grabbing my phone and pretending to text people didn't even stop him. Neither did the guy next to him telling him to shut up. (Thanks, dude.) I had to get off a stop early and walk because I was so annoyed. So now, I don't sit on the train, I stand. It seems to communicate to these folks that I'm not staying long and really don't welcome their questions.

Yesterday's incident was probably harmless enough, but it almost put me over the edge. I was at a very crowded Starbucks w/my little brother when a middle-aged lady with crazy hair and a St. Bernard asked when I'm due. Innocent enough question right? It never is. When I answered, she launched into a story about her 2 kids and how low she carried them during pregnancy (she demonstrated this with dramatic gestures), and how miserable she had been, but what wonderful gifts they are, and how her dog is her baby now. As she talked, she kept inching closer and closer to me and I knew what was coming and thought, "lady, if you even think about touching me..." So, I put my shoulder bag over my belly and crossed my arms. Thankfully, my iced latte was ready a moment later and Derek and I grabbed it and left, noticing a few sympathetic smiles from some other customers on the way out.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive. Or maybe I'm just sick of crazy people. But why can't they just keep their thoughts and their hands to themselves? And why am I the one who ends up feeling embarrassed? My family and friends are of course exceptions to all of this. I know I sound angry, but I just don't get it. I would NEVER do this to someone I didn't know. It'll probably get even worse when the baby's born and we go out in public and everyone wants to touch him. I may have to get violent. :)