Polite Conversation

Thought For The Day

Have you ever tried to engage in a conversation with someone who was simply incapable of focusing on the topic/topics the two of you were discussing? Better yet, have you ever had a conversation with anyone who simply ignored or was unaware of the "echo tradition" in polite conversation? "Echo Tradition" refers to the "I am interested in you too." attitude in friendly conversation. For example:

"Where did you go to University?"

"I did my undergraduate work at University of New Mexico."

"Where did you go?"

"I went to Michigan State."

Instead, if you ask the question of the person I am thinking of you get a complete vitae with footnotes and the names and publications of all of their professors and all the while they are offering this canned dissertation they are eavesdropping on the the couple at the table next to you. And should you deign to comment, you are all but shushed for making it difficult for them to do so.

What's hard to swallow, I guess, is that there are people with whom you exist who care not a whit about you, anything you have done, are going to do or would like to do but are always ready to describe in great detail every drab piece of tapestry in their villa. Remarkable, isn't it? It just concerns me that there are people who will completely miss the opportunity to know me and my adventures in complete detail. Their loss!

But, enough about me. What do you think about me?

Herb Ratliff, April 9, 2012, All Rights Reserved