I don't claim to be busier than anyone else. The fact is, we're all busy. Life is a lot of work. But some people insist on whining about how busy they are all the time. Check facebook. Look at all the updates on how exhausted people are with work or how stressed they are about tests. Seriously, who cares? The rest of us have tests and work, too. Why complain about it?
My point, thus far, is to make certain that you don't think the rest of this post is an attempt to impress you with how busy I am. But the truth is, I am busy and value my time. Thus, life's greatest burden is being forced to lead small-talk conversations when I'm busy.
Small-talk is a necessary evil. Catching up with people is a must, even at the expense of clumsy, forced conversation. However, if you see that someone is busy, it is your responsibility to say hi and keep walking. But some people choose to say hi, and subsequently stop to chat. This behavior is perfectly acceptable if the aforementioned people bring something to the table conversationally. But please, for the love of Pete, if you have nothing to bring to the table, then let me study. Some folks stop, say hi, and then stand there, waiting for me to direct the conversation. This, my friends, is my life's greatest burden, and I don't have the strength to deal with it anymore. My new technique for small-talk is to stare at people until they either direct the conversation themselves or recognize that I'm busy and say goodbye.
So far, I've had mixed results. Most people just assume I lack social skills.
half moon console table
3 years ago
10 comments:
from experience, i can tell you the stare-and-wait method works like magic. but you gotta commit.
also, consider affecting a perpetual scowl: a preemptive conversation stopper.
whats really funny about this is that later on in the day after you posted this I was one of those douchebags complaining to you about the real world. You should take comfort though that despite my busy schedule I still manage to find the time to read wjw
It is amazing to me how everyone believes they are busy. My retired grandmother would tell you she has never been more busy in her life. One of life's greatest ironies.
I'll be sure not to bother you with small talk if I ever happen to see you again. :)
EJ,
My point isn't that I don't see a need for small talk. But when someone sees that you're busy working, they should come with something to say or not come at all.
Ashot,
You never once tried to impress me with how hard you were working (although I am impressed), and I don't remember you complaining.
Commenting on my own blog is stupid.
if andie mcdowell starts a convo with you in the library i think it's safe to say that she'll receive an icy wjw stare
grut?
Oh Justin, I was just giving you a hard time. I will always say hi to you if I see you. When everyone I know that knows you says you are the "coolest guy" they know, then I need to say hi so I can be cool by association. :)
About the point you made, I couldn't agree more. When I am at the library or Sweets studying and see someone I know, I typically just do the tap-on-the-table maneuver, have them look up, and wave at them as I keep on walking. That way you aren't rude by ignoring them, but you don't distract them for more than 2.5 seconds. Is that still annoying in your book? Be honest...
Ouch.
(to the original post, not any of the comments)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3g1KcOw7zas
The Finest Small Talk ever captured.
i am still laughing at what i learned about this post... :)
-ka
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