Being right shouldn't be...so lame.

So, there's a man who runs a candy stand in our subway station. He's been there for as long as I could remember. For the past month or so, he's waved and smiled whenever he's seen me. I'd wave and smile back. Polite, y'know?

Last week, I purchased a bag of M&Ms from him. He made me take a magazine with a promise to return it the next morning. I...was not thrilled, because...uh, I don't really read magazines, especially not the type they sell in stands. But he was being nice, so all right.

I promptly returned the magazine the next morning. He was pleased. And GAVE ME A CANDY BAR AND A MONTHLY METRO CARD. WHAT?

I was kind of freaked. I mean, how nice of him! Maybe he just wanted to be nice? Maybe? Ugh.

I returned the Metrocard when I back. He explained how I could borrow it on the days I worked since he was there all day anyway and not using it. I supposed that made sense. It wasn't costing him anything. Perhaps he really was being a friendly guy.

Since then, he has regularly forced magazines and the Metrocard on me. He also tries to make me take a candy bar or a beverage, but I've been refusing those. Since I give the magazines back (unread orz), then it wasn't like I was taking a profit from him. Also, the card is unlimited, so it's not costing him anything.

But...he keeps getting friendlier. And it's awkward. And uncomfortable. I kind of feel like a line was crossed today. He actually asked what my plans for the weekend were. (Am I just being weird here?) It would've been more natural if it was, y'know, Friday, but today is Wednesday. Who asks about weekend plans (other than my internship folks, but I don't see them again until next week) so early? It felt like he was trying to set something up. Luckily, I have a packed weekend, which meant it tumbled out of my mouth and yaynofreetime.

Right, so, UNCOMFORTABLE. He might not have any sketchy intentions, but I'm trained as a New Yorker (a young, female one at that) to jump to conclusions and be wary. He's also, uh, middle-aged. And he's been there since I was a little kid. CREEPY. And I don't think he's realized this? I guess? WHY DID HE WANT TO KNOW MY WEEKEND PLANS ON A WEDNESDAY?!

I think I might lie and say I got a new internship that has given me an unlimited Metrocard. This way, I'd have a legit excuse to refuse his. And then, I'd shift it back to the wave and smile return.


Other options:
He will grant me three wishes for my good behavior.
He wants to marry me off to a son.
I have no idea. SOS.