I feel like a jerk for shutting you down. I was working on an art assignment and you were a lovely, darling lady, overly interested in my homework.
Listen, I'm working on an assignment. It's not fun. I don't want to talk about it. I just want to do it. More importantly I was sending you really clear body language that I didn't want to talk. Is it too much to ask that I be able to work on this assignment in peace? I know I'm out in sight but I'm a working student and I have a lazy desk job that doesn't pay a lot for the express reason that I can paint here.
Believe me, I engaged you and we exchanged the required pleasantries but when, after you'd ignored my polite attempts at avoiding more conversation for five questions about my existentialist future, I calmly said, "I'm sorry, I just don't want to talk about it." I felt like such an asshole. Why? Why do I feel like an asshole when you're the one who should be more socially in tune.
I don't understand why you want to know my major or my life's work. Maybe you want to help me and I just shot down an opportunity but honestly how am I supposed to get my shit done if I answer the banal curiosities of every person that crosses my path? Am I painting? Yes, I am painting. Thank you for saying it is beautiful. Please listen to these hunched shoulders and leave me alone. I have provided the service to you which was required by my base rate pay.