Alfred state ny11/25/2023 That conversation takes off immediately, recalling fun and fond memories. The occasion, however, makes it easy to ask them how they know the bride and groom. I’ve occasionally sat at a wedding dinner table with eight or nine complete strangers. I probably have some friends and acquaintances who think, “Is she ever going to shut up?” But my report cards often mentioned “talkative.” Mom occasionally commented that I was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. I, however, was born with the “gift of gab.” As a girl, I was quiet among my mother’s friends. Small talk can be hard and for some it is even terrifying. I deposited it in my shrinking memory bank, and it has come in handy. I didn’t mean to talk while you were interrupting.” Sometimes it stops them, but not always. More than once, I have said, “I’m so sorry. I hate it when someone interrupts my response just to continue their diatribe. The two-way discussion gets smothered, descending into a monologue. With some people, hitting their hot button changes the conversation completely. Tempers seem to flash quicker … and louder. Manners are going out the window when the subject is the latest inflammatory candidate remark or the current hot button issue. Politics are straining friendships.Įven families. We are so divided now, discussions sometimes turn into arguments, and arguments sometimes get out of hand. “What do you really think Whats-his-name’s chances are this year? Oh really? Why you think so?” That’s the polite version. They are either very interested in politics or they aren’t at all. People don’t seem to skip political discussions out of politeness. I think I spotted a tail between his legs as he exited. The inquisitor just stared at me, then turned and walked away. I was even able to use it once when someone asked me, “So what are they paying you for that?” Initially stunned, I somehow remembered the clever quote and tossed back, “If you’ll forgive me for not answering that question, I’ll forgive you for asking it.” Done. I once read a quip on how to handle the rude question. We Golden Oldies do sometimes ask about age – but only with other Wrinklies, and just to make sure we are keeping up. The rules have certainly changed a bit… but not completely. In my teens, I learned there were a few other subjects to avoid: Never ask someone’s income, never ask how much they weigh, how old they are, or how much they paid for something. Think abortion and same-sex marriage, not theology. Religion seems to be involved only as a sub-topic of politics. Now it seems that politics is THE dinner table conversation.
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