i'm american, of course i lie

right now, the baron is thinking about an exchange that just occurred in her office, between her and one of her new students.

(a note: the baron, for no particular reason other than the boring nature of her job, has chosen not to discuss they type of work she does or her place of work. she'll deviate briefly here to say that she works in higher education, with graduate students. she does not teach them.)

the baron, sitting at her desk, was preparing herself for the day, making her to-do lists, getting some water, checking email, when a knock came at the door. it was a new student, fresh off a plane from korea. it's worth mentioning that this young woman is very good with the english language, and that she's very, very cute - like a button.

her: the baron, can i ask you a question?

the baron: sure.

her: in america, do you give out your cell phone number?

the baron: yes, but why are you asking?

her: someone asked me for my phone number yesterday, and i didn't know what to do.

the baron: was it a boy?

her: yes. i was at a coffee shop.

the baron: did you know this boy? how did you come to be talking to him?

her: i was at a coffee shop, drinking coffee, and he came to talk to me. he said that he was korean, and that he had been to korea. he is not a student here. he asked for my phone number, but i wasn't sure what to do. what can i say if i don't want to give him my phone number?

the baron: [heavy sigh, deciding to be honest] well, i can tell you what i do. if i don't feel comfortable with someone, and i don't feel like they'll let me go without repeatedly asking for a phone number, i give them my phone number. but. i change one of the numbers. that way, you've given them the wrong number. it's lying, and you shouldn't do it, but if you feel like it's the best way, do it.

her: ah!

the baron: or, maybe you want to know this person better, but you don't want to give out your phone number, so say 'i don't feel comfortable giving out my phone number, but here's my email address.'

her: ah! yes! that is a good idea.

the baron: yep.

her: ok. thank you. have a good day.

the baron: yep. (the baron is thinking that she just advised a student that lying was the best way to get out of a sticky situation, and worse - she did it from a position of power and authority relative to the student. the baron feels bad about it.)

the husband's consoling words were 'omigod. you're mrs. garrett!', which made the baron feel even worse.