I didn’t stop to think how excruciating it might be, for those accustomed to animated banter from their old friend, with a few laughs mixed in, to see him sitting quietly at the table as others tell stories about their daily lives.   At one time their old friend would find a way to connect these stories into conversation, or at least interject something interesting, amusing or funny.  

Now look how he goes about the business of eating, distracted, chewing impassively as he silently judges everything from behind a mask of stoicism.  The stories being told around the table are anecdotes about people and things nobody at the table but the teller knows anything about.  The service is slow and the damned waitress is staring at her smartphone instead of bringing water or the check.

Damn, I thought a few moments ago, must be excruciating.

(note the author’s sly, nonchalant self-flattery– The Most Interesting Man in the World)