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.
