One of the things I’ve thought about doing in my newly acquired free time is learning ASL — American Sign Language. I have a friend who is deaf.  Juliette came to see me one of the last days I was at Yarn Expressions. She’s remarkably adept at reading lips, and between that talent and a pad of paper, we had a great conversation.  As she was getting ready to leave, she held up her hand, making this sign.

She asked me if I knew what it meant, and when I shook my head, she told me it means “I love you”.

So I held up my hand in imitation of hers.  Juliette giggled and shook her head.   Then very gently, she took my thumb and extended it.

What had I signed to her?  Bullshit.