I dropped by the local community college today (to find out what had become of a friend, an Assistant Dean who hasn't been answering emails) and had a nice chat with another friend- a lady in Student Services. I was wearing my SWK Shadow Tartan, a beige cable-knit sweater, scrunched-down hose, and hiking boots; very low-key. As I left her office, a group of four 19-21 year olds in baggy jeans came down the hall, and two of them made some loud comments featuring words like f*ggot and skirt. The entire group slowed down, with much laughter.

Now, I'm 6'3" and 260 lbs, and none of these punks would have said a word had I been in the biker leathers, so I was debating with myself on whether or not to answer sharply and cause a scene when my friend and her secretary (both of whom are around 20 years younger than me, and quite pretty) swept out of the office door, slipped their hands into the crook of my elbows, and accompanied me down the hall as if I were Brad Pitt or someone equally attractive.

The boys' collective jaws dropped, and I couldn't resist a wicked grin and wink as we passed them. The ladies walked with me around the corner to the exit, where we all cracked up! I thanked them for their assistance (Kathy's comment was that she didn't want to see ANY of their students engaged in harrasment), and had a warm feeling the rest of the day.

At any other time, I probably will answer such idiocy (hopefully wittily!), as I tend not to suffer fools silently- but these two ladies not only made my day; they gave the boys something to remember, and deflated the confrontation splendidly!