Sometimes being nice backfires. While waiting for my train in Edinburgh I made friends with the guy sitting next to me, a giant of a person whose head was so large I’m sure he had some actual growth issue. But he was nice and lonely and I figured it couldn’t hurt to talk to a stranger, what is a few minutes of my time?

I knew I was in trouble when we boarded and he asked me to sit with him, my whole body telling me to run but my mouth saying okay anyway. He was thrilled that I’d said yes, cramming himself into a seat half his size so I’d have some space to fit. I tried my best to make it obvious I wasn’t there to bond, realizing too late that I couldn’t catch up on journaling or writing emails because he was so large there was no way I’d have room to type.

I pretended to sleep for an hour or so of the drive and did my best to give limited answers that made it clear I wanted to stay an acquaintance, but my new friend wasn’t having it, asking all about my life and involuntarily telling me about his. It was clear he wanted to talk, flirting and elbowing me so many times I was sure I’d have a bruise the next day. It was annoying that I wasn’t get any work done and that my personal space had been so invaded, but I couldn’t help but like him as I listened to him tell me he was afraid of the dark and that he hated being alone, obsessively calling his grandpa and brother just to check in in the moments I fake slept. I always knew he meant well, that as inconvenient as it was for me, it did mean something to him to have someone there.

There were a few times I was really uncomfortable, watching as he’d have to concentrate on pulling his hand away from reaching to touch my face and when he tried to convince me to get off at his stop so he could show me his town over the weekend, but really it wasn’t that bad and luckily he got off a few hours before my stop so I got a little time to sleep before my highland bus tour began the next day.

As we parted he gave me an awkward kiss on the cheek that I didn’t know how to process at all but as I watched him walk away (read: made sure) I decided I was glad I’d said yes to sitting with him. It is moments with people like that that make life interesting and I learned so much from him really, that I can be independent and brave and kind all while being slightly uncomfortable. That while his life was far from perfect, he still managed to remain incredibly upbeat, excited by the small things and glad just to be meeting a stranger. I’m so glad I’m not lonely and afraid, dependent or weak. I’m so proud of my family and who we’ve become over the last year. I’m hopeful that there are other people out there decent enough to keep him company for a few more minutes right now. I’m so glad he’s trying, putting himself out there and reaching for things that make him happy.

It won’t be my favorite memory of this trip, but it will be one of them, sitting next to the overeager guy on the bus.