But really, what are we to do with young people like the Iowa State students sitting behind me last week on the MegaBus to Des Moines, who said "like"—and I would not exaggerate with you—an average of 22 times per minute. I counted the "likes" during 10 separate minutes of their conversation. Their record was 26, in 60 seconds.
How did they do it? "So I was like, I'm trying to get drunk on ten dollars. Like, how do I do that? And like, the bartender was like …"
I really did come close to turning around and addressing them. "Young ladies," I would have begun. "Do you, like, think you can, like, stop talking like that when you're, like, in a job interview? If so, then perhaps you can explain to me why you don't stop talking like that right now?"
Honestly, I am disappointed in myself for not having enough respect for their humanity to confront them. Next time, I swear I'll do it.
That was, like, so awesome…