Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Art of Conversation

I recently observed a conversation where one person sat and listened to another person babble for hours and hours...about himself and his two favorite hobbies.  It was torturous to watch, and I am guessing, even more excruciating to listen.  Truthfully, I am amazed that the person talking did not get bored of himself. 

I know there are days where we aren't on our best "small talk" game.   Babies, relationships, new houses, work, hobbies etc... - all of these things can disconnect us from the rest of the world and we can close in on ourselves (for better or worse) for a while. I understand.  I have been guilty myself of dominating conversations at times.   

However, as adults, I feel that it is important to know how to carry on a conversation.  It's not enough to simply listen to what people have to say, but we must learn to ask questions of each other.  I believe it's a way to show that we care.  And, at the least, even if we don't care, it's the polite thing to do.
 

2 comments:

Written Permission said...

MM, you are one of the BEST at this. :) Anyone talking to you knows that you're completely engaged, and that the conversation is a two-way street. It's one of the reasons why your friends (including me!) love you! :)

Ky • twopretzels.com said...

God bless you.

And I'm with Written Permission - you are a PHENOMENAL listener. I've ALWAYS thought that about you. And, I've always felt that you genuinely CARE about the answers.

BIG hug for a GREAT post.

(Miss you.)