Does this ever happen to you? You go to a party where you only know the host and maybe one or two other people. You’re not a wallflower so you introduce yourself to different folks, making conversation and, who knows, maybe making a new friend.
But that’s not exactly what happens. You meet a lot of nice people and you show interest in each new person by asking questions that you hope will establish a connection. Questions like, where do you live? What do you do? How do you know the host, etc. Every new person you meet happily answers your questions about them and also chats about generic things like the weather, sports, etc.
But the conversation is totally one-sided. Everyone ends up talking only about themselves. You know everything about them but they know basically nothing about you. It’s like they have no curiosity.
And I’m not the only person that this happens to. From others I’ve spoken with, it’s not just me.
Why is this? One thought is that most people are insecure in social situations and when they are asked about them it opens the floodgates for them to talk about what they know best: themselves.
Am I doing something wrong? Should I just start talking about me (which I feel is rude) and risk being boorish (at least I don’t think I’m already a boor)? Of course, another view could be that others think they’re much more interesting than me – a distinct possibility!
I’d be interested in your thoughts.
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You’re Banished!
Most people have words or phrases that really irk them. (See my recent article I “Gave Back” at the Office for one of mine.) Well, the Lake Superior State University took time from their busy teaching work to come up with some words that should be banished:
Wait, what?
No worries
At the end of the day
That being said
Asking for a friend
Circle back
Deep dive
New normal
You’re on mute
Supply chain
BTW I think these “words” are actually phrases but, that being said, at the end of the day, no worries!
Oh, and I have a few other phrases that should be banned:
We’re all in this together. Bullcrap! The Hollywood stars who, early in the pandemic, said that “we’re all in this together” all the while luxuriating in their mansions have nothing in common with the nurse or teacher or people who had any of the hundreds of jobs that actually placed them at Covid risk.
In these uncertain times. When have times ever been certain? Thirty years ago, advertisers were hawking goods and services because we were living “in uncertain times”. What’s changed?
Thoughts and prayers. While the sentiment may be valid and heartfelt, there’s almost nothing less one can do than sending your thoughts and prayers to someone who has fallen on hard times or suffered a loss. Maybe set up a GoFundMe account perhaps?
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Now This is Genius Marketing!
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You, boorish or rude ? Never !!! You are a kindly old man ❣ LMAO 😂