One of my favorite things about my One Month Wisdom project has been how it’s changed even my most surface conversations at social events.
You know, those moment when you see someone you haven’t seen for a while and they ask you, “What’s new?”
These moments are the land minds of mingling, and I used to hate them. Why? Because I’ve learned the following:
- People don’t want to hear how great your life is, even if it’s true.
- I don’t like to talk about the weather. It is raining. Or it’s not. Get over it.
- I don’t have kids, which is fine. But let’s admit it, kids and their adorable and silly antics often make good conversation.
- It’s often inappropriate to launch into what’s really new in your life. I mean – saying “well you know, I might be pregnant” or “I’m looking for a job” or “I just had the best sex yesterday” is just not OK for most social settings.
- I really try hard not to gossip. This is often what people want, or at least what they like, but it’s not healthy or good or anything I want to be, so I try to avoid it.
The reality is, often, there really isn’t very much new. I walked my dog today. I ate a turkey and brie sandwich for lunch. I went to work. I noticed a gorgeous sunrise. It’s a wonderful life, but my routine often doesn’t make for scintillating conversation. Since I can’t talk about the weather, or my health, or who is (scandal!) sleeping with whom, WHAT DO I DO?
In the past, I’ve usually mentioned something about a movie I’ve seen recently, or a book I’m reading, but often that falls flat.
Now, though, thanks to One Month Wisdom, I always have something to offer.
Tales about my monthly resolution and how I am (or am not) being successful make people laugh, ask questions, and best of all, start telling me their own interesting stories. It’s a great conversation starter and I’ve learned more interesting things about people this way than I ever expected. In fact, some times the telling of these tales actually helps me to write a future blog post. It’s a win-win!
Hopefully.
Unless I’m actually boring everyone in my home town and my friends are just being kind.
If that’s the case, I’m sorry (and someone, PLEASE let me know).
One Month Wisdom 
And no, I am not pregnant or looking for a job. I won’t comment on the remainder of this list.
First off, kudos to you for not talking about the weather. I hate that!
You are not boring at all!! I love this as a small talk ice breaker. Once thing I notice about myself as I approach adulthood, I suck and really hate small talk unless I actually really like the other person. But then it isn’t small talk, it’s just talk. Go you!
YOU are never BORING … & always a sight for sore eyes.
I know longer remember where I read it, but I once read advice that, at a cocktail party, you should not speak until you had nothing to say—that’s the secret of small talk.
I’ll take your kind of boring any day!!
You go girl! We’re proud of you! Elaine