The Problem with Boring Conversations

You have been there, seated or standing at a store, in a checkout line, or a parking lot and you overhear two people trying to pass the time away.  Neither person is interesting--their conversation, boring!  You actually hope they don't bring their boring thoughts, laughter, or anything else to you!  Boring conversations can be like a catchy cold, you don't want it!

Riding in a car with someone, walking or doing something else doesn't have to be a bore if you know how to communicate in an interesting way that causes both of you to experience a myriad of emotions.  Why not make a chance meeting or a random moment one that is memorable?  Have something to say worthwhile. 

Most people expect the typical boring conversation  with others about the usual:  weather, their present predicament, or what they are having or just had to eat (sigh).  You can bring life to a dull atmosphere by saying something funny, shocking, or even wise. 

Use the weather to direct a conversation in your favor if you are a believer in a Creator.  Find out someone's current dilemma if you are a salesperson.  Comment on an individual's clothing or accessories if your looking for a friend--yes this works!  Before long, you are sharing spiritual insight, your personal business, and talking about visiting a store together one day.

Life is simply too short to be spending 10 minutes or a few hours talking about meaningless stuff that don't make a lasting impression.  Whether you anger someone or uplift them, they will remember you, not so much by what you said, but how you made them feel. 

You need not exaggerate or lie about your life, but what you can do is talk out loud about it and hear, really listen to what you are saying about yourself--do you believe in you?  Could you use a little make-over in your personality?  Are you short-changing yourself and missing out on real life opprotunities or is electronics taking up most of your time?  What about the person listening to you, could this person benefit from your life experience? 

Exchange thoughts and sincerely enjoy those five minute friendships with strangers--listen and talk, listen and talk.  Some people can be a bore because they talk too much or too little especially know-it-all young and old people.  Ask questions that move a person to want to answer in detail.  State things that make others ponder their encounter with you. 

Who knows, you might be someone's angel in disguise?

Nicholl McGuire