Question: Do I look straight? What is up with things lately? I swear, today is the second time in a week that I've been asked about women/girls/chicks from someone. I was just at the coffee shop and chatting with the friendly guy behind the counter who I've seen there for a year or so-- you know, casual relationship, don't know each other's names, but smiles and good days to each other, and such. Anyway, we're just chatting a bit while I get my order and he says "So what's up with the chicas?" or something like that. I didn't exactly hear him well and asked what he meant and he said, "You know, the ladies. A lot of fine ones around here, you know." Ok, pause....

First of all, I'm usually so taken aback when someone talks to me like that that I simply have no idea what to say. Secondly, in a fifteen second conversation, what do you say? Oh no, I like the chicos, muchachos, hombres, men, guys. Third, I'm stunned that he's assuming I'm straight. Are these guys simply completely stupid, am I acting more straight and butch these days then I've realized, or is it some weird combination of both? I'm gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay.... Helloooooooo, world, I'm gay! Now, how do I say that in a fifteen second conversation when someone is just making quick chit-chat about nothing? Help, please.