Strange Behavior

On subway, in post office, in sandwich shop on way to work, notice epidemic of twitching, staring, overly loud voices, nose picking, ear digging, dandruff-head scratching--sort of behavior best kept at home. Have unpleasant realization that I am fully part of epidemic when short young man says hello to me. Jump back in abject fear. Do not care to think what face looks like as realize that know young man--he is Libby's husband (Raskolnikov) but has shaved his beard off. Proceed to say like a deranged person, You shaved! Raskolnikov not chatty at best of times and elevator ride up to office exceedingly uncomfortable. Discomfort not lessened by my insistence on talking about baby names with R. Feel that will especially regret phrase spoken by self, Collette is such a cute name!