The Slice: Allergy season is nothing to sneeze at

We’re heading into a perplexing time of year.

Because of seasonal allergies, lots of people in the Spokane area will appear to be crying. That complicates our interactions with these individuals.

“Barb, could you get me a copy of that … um, gee, sorry, uh, never mind. I’ll leave you alone.”

Now sometimes, because of facial expressions and vocal tones, it’s possible to tell the difference between pollen-prompted glistening eyes and first-stage emotional meltdown. But not always.

And would any reasonably sensitive person want to simply guess?

Of course, not everyone responds to the sight of tears in the same way. Some back away at high speed. Others instinctively move in to see if they can offer assistance, even when the purported crier is a stranger.

“Would it help to talk about it?”

Naturally, that can be confusing to the allergy sufferer.

“Talk about what?”

“OK, if you don’t want to open up to me, I understand.”

Perhaps even more puzzling to those with watery eyes can be the irregular procession of consoling expressions. It’s enough to make one wonder if a new layoffs list is making the rounds.

Then there’s the potential for rumors.

“What’s up with Shane? I saw him in the elevator and I think he was crying.”

“Maybe Sweater Woman dumped him.”

On the other hand, there’s an upside. Few things humanize someone quite like a few tears. And even if the individual with glistening eyes isn’t your favorite person, the sight can still touch you.

“Are you all right, Andrea?”

“Yes, it’s just allergies.”

“Oh. Well, good.”

“Thank you. It’s so sweet of you to ask, I think I’m going to cry.”

Today’s Slice question: What’s the statute of limitations on hearing about the time you forgot to pick someone up?