The art of conversation

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 14 September 2004 16:07:43

Well Hello.

What a day. I did no routine tick off the list cleaning until 7.30pm and had tea at 8. Couldn't go to a local pastors' network prayer meeting. I felt quite important to be invited. Which is probably a good reason not to go. The last thing I need is to do something 'cos it makes me feel important, or because I think a particular group of people are more important than anyone else.

Just now, talking about my day, I have finally been able to laugh.

Tonight I saw someone walking who was, and is now kindof, an authority figure in my life. I stopped to give him a lift home, and stupidly, I talked about my day. Now I've got a massive cringe factor going on. I never know what to say to such people. Then I talk too much and listen not at all. Then I go home and stress about it. When the cringe gets too bad, my self pep-talk 'you're o.k., it's alright,' comes out of my mouth aloud.

In high school I wrote an essay entitled 'The art of conversation'. My English teacher loved it and read it to the class. Unfortunately she kept it so I can't share it with you. Sorry. It was all about my struggles in learning how to open my mouth at all. I'm sure I expounded on nifty tactics like, expand single word answers to a full sentence, give extra information, ask, 'How are you?' . That last one doesn't work with pastors and other persons of authority I feel. They have to be too political in their responses. To protect themselves I assume. Anyway, for me, I think it's best if I now learn how to keep my mouth closed. The "Should I say this, God?' question works. I think I should check out the writings of some silent nuns. My next essay could be entitled 'The art of keeping my mouth shut - listening in a world full of words.'

Now I break out into a cold sweat when I have to hit the save button on the wiblog, even on the comments pages, and the boards. What is the etiquette for cyber talk? Will anyone understand what I mean? Will I be taken the right way? Please accept any comments of mine in a cheerful way because I like you all and I am bravely extending a shaking hand of friendship.