Funny encounters.

Between classes and work today, I stopped into Jimmy John's, a local sandwich shop, to grab some food.  I first made a quick run to the restroom, and was irritated to find that there was nothing to wipe my hands on after washing them.

When I returned to the counter, I told the nearest guy, "There are no hand towels in the restroom."  He said, "Oh, okay, I'll get right on it."  While I was ordering, he lumbered back over my way and said, "What did you mean by hand towels?"

I recognize that perhaps most people say "paper towels," but somewhere along the line, I guess I picked up the other term.  Thinking he could have figured it out by inference, I decided to indulge him anyway and returned, "Um, you know, the paper things you dry your hands on when you're done washing your hands..."

He replied, "Well, she (pointing to a disinterested-looking employee) said it was full." 

"Hmm," I returned.

"Did you maybe reach into the thing beside the toilet?" he asked.

"Uh, no, that's where the toilet paper is."

"No," he said, lowering his voice.  "I mean the little can beside the toilet..."

"Dude, I am 36 years old," I retorted.  "I think I know the difference between where the hand towels go versus where girls put their used menstrual pads."

He said, "Well, come on back with me, I want to get this straight."

I laughed and replied, "No, it's cool.  My hands are dry now."