just let me vent

You know, its ok. It's just 16 years of experience in teaching. A bachelor of science degree in special education. And a masters in language and literacy development. And 100+ hours of professional development and specialized training in reading instruction. And dozens of hours learning about writing instruction with top coaches. Plus extra professional reading on the side, for funsies. So yeah, just go ahead and tell me how to teach reading to your child, your third child with reading difficulties. After that, I'll give some parenting tips. 

Dear Young Man

Dear Young Man on the SF public bus 38R,

First, I can call you "young man" since I'm almost a decade and a half older than you. 

Second, much respect for approaching the pretty young woman seated opposite you, with whom you seemed to have a tenuous connection (at best). You maintained the conversation well, asked good questions and didn't talk about yourself the entire time. You also kept the conversation going, despite her conspicuously mentioning her boyfriend. Way to go!

But, you should have stopped when she slipped the earbud back in her ear, appeared to text furiously and made less and less eye contact with you. 

Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.

Better luck next time!

-your Moyfriend.