Self Help

So a few weekends ago I took the kids to the mall. The big Metropolis Mall - "just like being in America" as my kids say.

I am usually not a mall person, but once in a while it is nice to "be in America".

Anyway it is about a 25 minute metro ride. Leo had to work so kids and I went on our own. I try and gussy up a bit for ventures out. I wore a bit of makeup and all.

For some reason the Metro was PACKED - standing room only packed - so kids and I stood by the door - everything was going well, Natasha was quiet in the stroller, M and P were just standing on either side. No one was pretending to be a surfer while the metro rumbled along, etc. Kids were actually really quiet, they usually count the stops - can I check the Map? how many more stops? look mom, we can that that train instead? what does that say? etc.

A woman, pressed her way through the crowd, and starts chatting with me in Russian, then she presses a book into my hands. hmmm, ok. I tell her in russian "I am sorry I dont read Russian well" as I try to hand the book back.

She is surprised I dont speak russian - but still insists I take it, she says that she too has 2 children, and that one of them is a "sportsman" in America. Then bustles off as the doors open at the next station.

ok

I put the book in my bag and we continue on.

Later, I remember the book and show Leo.

It is a self help book.

So, - how bad off do you have to seem for a stranger to hand you a self help book on the metro?