Word Count

It's always fun meeting new people.   At work, through other friends or just during the meet-and-greet minute at church it's exciting to start talking to someone and discover all the things you have in common and what other interesting tidbits you learn about their lives.  On a trip this summer my attention was snagged by a familiar accent of a salesperson at a little store in Occoquan  After a couple of minutes of listening to her voice I knew she had to have spent time in the northside or suburbs of Chicago.  Sure enough; we connected and talked briefly about places back home but we could have gone on and on.   Seems like over the past few years it's gotten easier for me to go on and on with people I know well and with people I've just met.

 

My daughter and I had just finished talking to two college students, new to Richmond, and it had been so refreshing to see their enthusiasm about starting classes.  They were excited about discovering all Richmond had to offer and I was super-excited to tell them about my favorite places, highlighting those venues which might appeal to people of their tender ages.  I went on and on until my daughter steered the conversation to another subject and we said our good-byes soon after.  As we were walking away my daughter gently said, "Don't do that."

She sweetly let me know that I was dominating the interaction and the girls we had met were just being patient and polite.  What a wake-up call.

Like many folks, I talk a lot when I'm a little nervous, a little unsure of how to act.  I suppose I figure that if I share a wide array of information about my town, my profession, my family, my interests then the other person will find something they can relate to and we can have a pleasant exchange of ideas.  All it takes is enough words, right?

Mr. T doesn't talk much, but has lots of people who love him.

I think I need to view interacting with family, friends, maybe-new friends as a treasure hunt.  There are clues all around--their black and gold shirt (Go VCU!), a nursery ID label stuck to their shoulder or the dish they bring to the picnic.  What can I learn about them without asking an intrusive question?  What responses to their comments can I make that might lead them to talk a little more?

 

Communication done well is a tricky art--too much information seeking and the other person may shut down, too little interest on my part and the person may think I don't care enough to get to know them.  I think it's worth practicing so I can get better; good thing I've got my dear daughter to guide my way.