Mini Rant: The Art of Conversation

Have you ever been in a conversation, when suddenly the person you're speaking with starts adding so much detail and back story, you forget what the topic the conversation had begun with? Have you ever been in a conversation, then realize, you've spoken to this person may be one hundred times and they've never really asked you a question or asked a question that, with the exception of a simple yes or no, could be considered combative? What about those people who end their thought, leaving nothing more for you to add and making it impossible to segue into another topic? What about the people, who are so limited in their scope, they consistently bring up one of two, maybe three topics, and that's it. Their limitations are so narrow, you actually find yourself researching what they speak about in an effort to add to the back and forth, only to find out, they either have very little actual knowledge or they simply are regurgitating the first thing they saw when googling. Finally, what about people, who appear to be well-spoken, and speak with such confidence, not only are you tricked into believing they are informed, but they are as well. I could point to specifics, but some may see themselves in the mirror. Intelligent people don't tell others they are smart. Informed people don't tell others they are informed. Hard workers don't tell people they are hard workers. Intelligent people accept they may not know, listen intently, then try to better themselves. No fanfare. No proclamations. Informed people, are kind, ignoring others' lack of knowledge, nudging them with information, maybe feeling them out for their ability to comprehend. Never, mocking their lack of knowledge. Hard-working people work hard, very often to allow for more time relaxing. They can shut off work, speak about things other than their accomplishments or failures while working hard. They leave work where it's meant to be left; at work, and desire nothing more than to speak about something else. Unintelligent, uninformed or misinformed, lazy people, need acknowledgment, praise, or acceptance. Deep down, whether it be accepted or hidden in the abyss of their subconscious, they use conversation, not so much to portray themselves but to project an image they can't quite convince themselves of. Sure, mental health comes into play with this one, and while confidence is a wonderful thing to instill into a child, it's this need as an adult which makes one wonder if the person is simply childish or if there's something more serious at work. We all have those things that bother us, that stick in our craw. That until they are absolved or dissolved, will bother us. Many times they are simple or mundane. We find flaws in people, which either mirror our own flaws or contrast so greatly, we are brought to fits of rage. None of us are immune, but our skills at avoidance, become greater, and definitely not without notice of the parties that offend us. Our standoffishness comes across loud and clear, at times rude, but they don't know it's actually kindness that forces us to turn our back, feign a loss of hearing, or simply lock ourselves away, as not to be faced with confrontation and reveal our true feelings, all the while, the internal boiling, wants to overflow. We breathe, and with each exhale, a relationship or simply an unspoken agreement continues, one side simmering, while the other bubbles over with some sense of superiority. Until the next conversation, when we decide whether or not now it the final straw. Probably not, but maybe.