Communicating: Talk to me...please!

I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning. It was all about those many conversations he had with his family on Skype or the telephone. May of us that are older have a routine of calling family or friends on a special day each week.  It could be that running out of things to say is normal.   Here is what happens:

Hi How have you been?

Fine, you?

Fine.

What's up?

Oh you know...same-old, same-old!

I was told one time that I was a great conversationalist...that is a polite way of saying I talk a lot. Still, I do exactly the same thing. Why is it so hard? Why do we do that? Is it that we don't want to revisit our own lives but would really love to hear about the other person's? Then when the other person talks, we wonder why we asked so we let it go?

I might have a solution...a list of things to talk about so the conversation will take the direction we want.

You need to remember that words that will make people think are usually why and how.  Here are some ideas.

1. What have you been reading? Was it good/bad....why?
2. Did you see Lincoln (or any movie you have loved)? How was it? 
3. I'm looking for something new. What have you done that I might like? Why?
4. Are you watching ___________on tv this year? Why do you like it? 
5. What do you think about me going to ________? I need your advice.
6. (When on Skype)....take me for a walk around your house. I need to see something familiar.
7. I bet my weather story is better than yours.
8. I am learning to zumba, line dance, etc. What are you up to? 
9. I like what you are doing but I don't know how to make that happen. Can you help me?
10. Tell me about your children/grandchildren/neighbors. I need to keep up on the news.
11. What's up at work? 
12. Talk to me! I need to hear your news.

There are some subjects that are off limits:

• worries
• organ recitals (all our aches and pains)
• complaints about neighbors, relative.
• husband/wife litanies.
• rants (most of the time)

Really, it isn't very hard. Connecting with people that we don't see very often is important but being satisfied with simple "same-old, same-old" does not constitute a conversation. This is one time when you can brag...I give you permission. You will surprised how people will rise to that bait with something better. s:-)

If you are one of those people that have children that do not answer their phones...busy you know...I want to urge you to begin using the text function on your phone.  You will find that you can communicate in more than one way and it seems that email is passe!  I am just saying!

Do you have some better ideas?

b+

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