Wait… Is This Really You, Thana? 😂

People at work sometimes think I’m a very serious person.

I can understand why.

Most of the time, they see me discussing work, answering questions or dealing with something that needs a decision. I don’t talk much about my personal life in the office.

So when they meet me outside work, there is usually a moment of confusion.

“Wait… is this really you, Thana?” 😂

Yes. Still me.

I haven’t sent a replacement.

The Car Ride That Surprised Them

A few Fridays ago, some of my colleagues and I decided to go for an early dinner after work. Nothing special.

We got into the car, someone put on some songs, and everyone started singing.

Then I joined them.

Apparently, that was the unexpected part.

The HR guy knew the songs. And he was actually singing along.

Sometimes the surprise is even simpler. I make a joke or understand something from their Gen Z conversations, and they look at me as if I’ve just done something extraordinary.

I’m a 90s kid, not from the Stone Age.

Give me some credit. 😂

After Work, I’m Just Thana

I take my work seriously. But that doesn’t mean I want every conversation in my life to be serious.

With my close circle, I talk, joke around and can be quite spontaneous. The people who know me outside the office probably find the “serious Thana” description quite funny.

Some people have even assumed I’m married.

I’m still single, by the way.

Apparently, keeping my personal life to myself has left plenty of room for people to fill in the blanks.

After work, I’m usually doing very ordinary things.

Finding a café. Trying another coffee shop. Reading a book. Sitting somewhere and chilling for a while.

Not every free evening needs a plan. Sometimes coffee and a few pages are enough.

And Sometimes, I Want a Little Speed

Then there are the days when sitting quietly isn’t quite what I have in mind.

I enjoy long drives and travelling for food. A good meal is a perfectly acceptable reason to go somewhere, if you ask me.

And I love go-karting.

The speed. The adrenaline. That feeling when you’re on the track and your attention is entirely on what’s in front of you.

So yes, the same person who enjoys a quiet coffee also enjoys getting into a kart.

Depends on the day.

You Usually Meet Me Before 6pm

I think it’s easy to get used to seeing someone in one setting.

If you only meet me at work, of course that’s the version you’ll know best. There are things to get done, and I have responsibilities there.

But there aren’t really two different versions of me.

I’m the person who takes his work seriously and the person who sings along in the car. The person who likes a quiet café and the person who wants another round on the go-kart track.

All of that fits into the same life.

So the next time you see me laughing, joking or doing something you didn’t expect, there’s no need to look so shocked.

It really is me.

You just normally meet me before 6pm. 😎