Meeting a Psychiatrist in the Wild

If you want to see a change in body language, tell people you are a psychiatrist.  

I don't think anybody loves small talk, but that's just what has to be done when you meet someone new.  After the standard hellos and introductions, I launch my (futile) delay and distract tactics.  I make small-talk drivel about the weather/traffic/day of the week, (as if it is going to work this time) but then comes the inevitable question... "What do you do?"

Sometimes I am vague in my reply, but usually I face my fate.

And then... the arms cross the chest... (unless they have a shrink in the family.  Or one they like.)

And in comes Assumption #1- that I am analyzing them. That I can't turn it off.  (And to be fair, I will always notice things, as perceptive people tend to go in to mental health -but there is a thing as just a conversation)  Some seem to be protecting themselves from any inadvertent vulnerability and some people will outright ask for my thoughts/analysis. 

Which is followed closely by Assumption #2 -that I am fascinated with everyone I meet and spend my mental energy taking notes about what makes them tick.  Which is close but not quite right.  I generally like people and enjoy learning more about them, but it's not that I have to know.

And finally Assumption #3- that their pathology is the most interesting ever.  Look, it's not.  And I don't say that to bruise egos (I understand it is easy to become identified with our story or symptoms).  I say it because after sitting with many people, I can say people are more alike than different, suffering is everywhere, and there's not really anything new under the sun. 

Of course each person is unique and every detail of their story is important, but that's not the same as being fascinating.  So if you meet a psychiatrist in the wild, and they don't raise their eyebrows even slightly, you don't have to be disappointed.  I assure you we have seen and heard it all and we can still find you interesting (or just have a conversation)