When people first meet you and ask "what do you do?"

[TamaraSavannah]

I think they are just being friendly by asking such. What is it they say about making conversation? Answer their question then ask one?

As things go, I'm honest and tell them one of the two jobs I do................and try to avoid talking bout what else I do.

It's only when I suspect they are going to get more involved in my life than just simple conversation.....like my time on e-Harmony..............that I give them the answer that really explains why "I know so much".

[elhelmete]

Originally Posted by John13

Who is telling you what you can or cannot discuss?

You have free will. It's just not my style to do so concerning certain subjects to a possible new friend, at least at first.
As far as vacations I find people who brag to be a turnoff. The very wealthy probably do that but I'm not in that league. If I did have it I wouldn't be blowing it on that.
But everyone is different...

This thread is replete with people who list things they think are wrong or inappropriate to talk about in a social setting, in some cases vehemently enough to imply that they should wear a sign listing these things so nobody dare bring them up. Makes for very awkward conversation. I like it when nothing is necessarily off-limits, within the boundaries of good taste of course.

[CatwomanofV]

When people ask me, "What do you do?" I tell them "As little as possible."



Cat

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by John13

This happened to me on Saturday. I was in a long line to turn in cable equipment and it was one of the first things a person behind me asked, within the first 3 minutes. I thought about this thread. I did answer.

I noticed he was wearing a Washington Nationals shirt so I quickly changed the subject. For the record I am gainfully employed and my job is nothing to be ashamed of. I just don't care to talk about it nor do I care what he does.

You would think a more appropriate topic would have been how long the line was or comments about the cable company. It just shows that today so many people have limited skills when it comes to conversation.

Originally Posted by CatwomanofV

When people ask me, "What do you do?" I tell them "As little as possible."



Cat

Great answer. Funny and a quick way to change the subject.

To people who think that someone must be embarrassed by what they do, ever occur to you any other scenarios?

I know someone who retired at 50 and in addition looks much younger than they are. When they're honest and tell people this they're often met with open resentment, with comments like "must be nice to be rich". Or they get peppered with questions as to how they did this, and can still feel some resentment. They have found it better in casual social situations and conversations to just lie.

There are other reasons besides being embarrassed about what you do.

[CatwomanofV]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

Great answer. Funny and a quick way to change the subject.

To people who think that someone must be embarrassed by what they do, ever occur to you any other scenarios?

I know someone who retired at 50 and in addition looks much younger than they are. When they're honest and tell people this they're often met with open resentment, with comments like "must be nice to be rich". Or they get peppered with questions as to how they did this, and can still feel some resentment. They have found it better in casual social situations and conversations to just lie.

There are other reasons besides being embarrassed about what you do.

Actually, I got that person beat. I retired at the ripe old age of 26, complete with pension-NO JOKE! I was medically retired from the military. So when I say, "As little as possible" I am being truthful.



Cat