So I'm pretty verbal, as people go. I think in words, or things like words; most skills that have to do with language come easily to me. But I can't always work up the will, insolence, or volume to speak in a way that others can comprehend.

Yesterday, walking back from class, I ran into my friend Diane. She said, "hello, how are you," all those things that people say to each other. I like Diane, so I offered her a smile, a grunt, and an "I'm the same as usual, don't want to explain, how are things on your end?" gesture. Well, that's how it seemed in my head; it was probably more like a grimace, a sigh, and a barely perceptible turning over and jabbing outward of the hand.

Diane looked right at me. She said, with sympathy but without condescension, "Are you having a non-verbal day?"

I was not actually having a non-verbal day. I was out of breath and somewhat moody, but the wads of invisible plastic wrap that occasionally block my thought-words from becoming sound-words were not present. However, I think this is a really freakin' thoughtful question. So thanks, Diane. Thanks.