I’m just not sure why.
Today, I went to Chipotle with Ben and Chris. While I was up at the register, the woman waved me on. I was puzzled at first, but then she said the manager (who was working behind her) had paid for my meal. I looked over at him, unsure why he was doing this… and he said something to the effect of “It’s alright. I got it.”
I’m not sure what that was all about. I was half-tempted to go back and ask, but it seemed like a rudeness in light of something generous. So I kept my trap shut.
Ben and Chris posited that I was fairly recognizeable (asian, long hair, facial hair) and so they were just being nice. There’s a distinct possibility that the manager mistook me for someone else.
I used to have a dopplegänger while I was in school, at both Indiana University and Ohio State University. Maybe he followed me to Chicago. There’s someone who’s stopped me a few times in my neighborhood, mistaking me for someone else. I realize that, to some, asians do look similar… but I for one haven’t seen all that many long-haired asian guys around Wicker Park much.
It was interesting. Free lunch, and no explanation. I wonder if the manager was somehow flirting with me, and I just missed it completely?
I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m not above having sex with someone, if that means I get free burritos. I’d just like to know that’s what the deal is, from the get-go. 
