Instead, I just let the other person lead the conversation, and try to induce or feign interest in that. If I do volunteer conversation, it's always on a topic I don't find interesting. That seems the safest option.
There's a handful of people to whom this policy doesn't apply. But only a handful.
I wonder how many people are in the same boat?
I certainly am. It isn't just that hardly anyone shares my interests, but many profess to believe that *nobody* should share them. A single sentence is enough to get them going...
ReplyDeleteWell...hail, fellow, well met! I'm glad it's not just me in this boat.
DeleteYup, that is exactly my policy also. At the risk of sounding cynical, I've generally found that the things that enthuse me enthuse no one else, and generally only arouse bewilderment and suspicion, so I now keep shtum.
ReplyDeleteThe one problem with the policy is that people then expect you to be the doormat/vomit bucket and can get cranky when you unexpectedly (to them) weary of this role.
I have to admit I haven't really had that problem-- the vomit bucket thing. But it would be very trying for sure. I'm reassured to hear someone else who has this same policy.
DeleteThat's why we all have blogs for talking about what actually interests us.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! I'm grateful anyone else is interested!
DeleteThis reminds me of another blog post I read about what young men ought to be prepared to talk about when a girl asks what they’re currently reading. This is a common question among the sort of white collar people in my working life and one I always dread. I hate hearing about the banal books that become trendy, maybe more than anything. I’d rather be forced to discuss reality tv. But I also hate disclosing what I’m reading, except when I’m in the mood to confuse people. I almost hate it more when someone initially says they also like whatever book since the odds are 99% they don’t like it for the same reasons I do.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting! I must admit I would love to be asked what I'm reading. To be fair, sometimes people do ask me this.
DeleteI would actually love to be thrown a curveball with this question, so if I were to ask it of you, I don't think there's an answer that could disappoint or dismay me. Although who knows...?
I rather envy you your environment.
I have a past as a gab-meister myself so now when I'm dealing one on one with a chatterer I call it penance. I'm drawing his fire from others at the gathering. And who knows? I might learn something or come up with a pertinent question that would get him thinking.
ReplyDelete