strange encounter

the scene
eden wok on E34th and park.

the scenario
i was meeting up with mbear for dinner. i picked eden wok cuz it's close to my workplace and kosher- the latter a must for eating out with mbear- an orthodox jew. we placed our orders and grabbed a table. i was in the middle of telling mbear about work when this dark haired, middle aged woman motioned me over.

V: yes?

DHMAW: you can't marry him!!

V: (speechless)

DHMAW: he's religious. it's a sin in the eyes of our god. it's wrong.

V: (recovering ever so slightly) um, we are just friends.

DHMAW: (ignoring what i said) it's very wrong. you'll go to hell. blah blah blah.

Mbear: look, we've been friends since the 7th grade! there's nothing going on.

DHMAW: i see how you look at her. you like her. this is wrong.

dumfounded i step back while mbear and crazy continue to argue. after a minute, mbear left and we started chatting again. when our food came out, he went up and got it. then crazy starts muttering craziness again. finally tired of it, mbear goes over and talks to the woman. tries to explain that we've been friends for over 13 years, his family knows me, etc. she said that she meant the discussion to be for me since i don't know jewish law. frustrated, he sat back down again.

he had wanted her to apologize for making me uncomfortable. . which i definately was. moreover, i was irritated. not only had crazy assumed way too much about my relationship with mbear, but also about his principles and mine. i always try to be respectful of other people's beliefs. once mbear began practicing judaism more strictly and observing its customs and rules, i became mindful of what i wore (long sleeve shirts and pants) around him and waves good-bye and hello replaced hugs. . . but crazy just assumes because i am not jewish i am amoral?

closed minded, judgemental folk bother me tremendously. i typically surround myself with liberal thinkers and free spirits so it was somewhat shocking to realize that most of the world is not that way. . .