Story time at the dentist

I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but when I think of going to the dentist, story time does not come to mind. There are several service/appointment situations where I don't expect a lot of chit-chat conversation, but totally understand why it happens and why the service provider feels obligated to carry on a dialog of sorts. For instance, a haircut. Makes complete sense that a hairdresser sees fit to engage me in some sort of "are you from here?" or "what do you do?" conversation as he/she clips away. I'm sitting there, staring at myself as bits of hair brush my face . She's there staring at me as well, causing the bits of hair to brush down my face. Conversation, again, while not necessary, does seem appropriate and logical to make staring situation less awkward.

Another example, a massage. Now, this gets tricky and I fluctuate on conversation in this social service situation. On the one hand, good communication is often key to a good massage. I am appreciative of questions like "is that the right trouble spot?" or "would you like more pressure?" because it makes me feel like my needs are being met. On the other hand, I more often than not simply want to soak in the worldly nature music, soothing touch, and drift off into a silent oasis with Ms. Tara (that's my girl at Massage Envy...divine!).

So in most cases, while I am perfectly comfortable with silence, I can see a place for some sort of conversation. But this morning I was confronted with a situation that greatly perplexed me: a dental cleaning. We all know what that looks and feels like--mouth wide open with various metal objects and sucky things poking and prodding your teeth and gums. In no way shape or form would I consider this an appropriate situation for chit-chat, not to mention that it is physically impossible. Well, not only did my hygienist think it was appropriate to carry on and on about anything and everything in her life--her 9 yr. old and his political inquisitiveness, her 5 yr. old and her upcoming Build-a-Bear birthday drama, her boyfriend who is currently on a trip to Prague with his MBA students--but she paused, asked questions, and fully expected me to enter the conversation with her. Huh? Did I miss something?

But, in case I was curious, I now know what it is like to say the following with dental objects in one's mouth:
-- "Isheathenglishsheathers" = I teach English teachers.
-- "O. Idonaveanyshidren" = No. I do not have any children.
--(In response to 9 yr. old aspiring politician parts of her story) "A a. At'sunny" = Ha ha. That's funny.

What I really wanted to do was grab her hand and say, "Thank you so much for the polite discussion, but I actually CAN'T talk with that big metal hook in my mouth. So can we just get on with? Thanks!"