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One of my all-time favorite sayings. And so very true.
I learned a trick early on in life. If I went to a social gathering, I made it somewhat of a game to not talk about myself, or at least do so as little as possible. So if someone asked me what I did for a living, I replied, "International Spy," or "Marijuana Importer." Then I would turn the conversation back to them. If they insisted on talking about me, or if it was impolite to not answer their questions, I would soon say, "Oh, I bore me. Let's talk about you instead."
Interesting thing happened. Everybody loved talking to me. I could walk into a party where I knew no one and wind up with almost everybody knowing my name. So if you are a little nervous at a party, suppress the desire to talk about yourself and instead focus on the person you're with at the moment. You'll be amazed how quickly the world opens up for you.
This is also how I came to be perceived as outgoing and friendly, despite being an introvert. That's a great way to learn the ropes. After doing this type of thing for a while you start to learn the subtleties of conversation and are able to start contributing more meaningfully in a give-and-take sort of way. The best thing to do (in my opinion) is to contribute just enough about yourself to keep the conversation flowing. It's best to avoid sounding like an interrogator; conversation is all about give and take.
People that are fun to talk to lend some thought to the dynamics of the interpersonal interaction. They make a point to THINK about the mechanics of conversation as opposed to "just talking" like so many people do. It's pretty amazing how this one additional high-level thought process (as in big picture thought process, not ultra-intelligent thought process) will COMPLETELY change the way people interact with you. You'll be perceived as confident, intriguing, and mysterious despite not really talking much about yourself.
This is also how I came to be perceived as outgoing and friendly, despite being an introvert. That's a great way to learn the ropes. After doing this type of thing for a while you start to learn the subtleties of conversation and are able to start contributing more meaningfully in a give-and-take sort of way. The best thing to do (in my opinion) is to contribute just enough about yourself to keep the conversation flowing. It's best to avoid sounding like an interrogator; conversation is all about give and take.
People that are fun to talk to lend some thought to the dynamics of the interpersonal interaction. They make a point to THINK about the mechanics of conversation as opposed to "just talking" like so many people do. It's pretty amazing how this one additional high-level thought process (as in big picture thought process, not ultra-intelligent thought process) will COMPLETELY change the way people interact with you. You'll be perceived as confident, intriguing, and mysterious despite not really talking much about yourself.
Same here! I was horribly shy and awkward, and then one night I saw Johnny Carson being interviewed. He said, "Everyone always thinks I'm such a great host, but the truth is, I ask people questions about themselves, and people LOVE to talk about themselves. That's the only secret to my success." I remembered that and used it the next time I found myself at a party. It works.
Even though I worked with the same people every day at XMas parties I would hide in a corner with a co-workers wife and just watch everyone. We are both on the shy side of life.
I can't add much to what has already been said, but I will add a couple that I didn't see mentioned;
-people who assume everybody is just like them
-people who say they're something they're not (ex. "I'm not confrontational." Who do you suppose is saying that??? )
-cliquiness
-gossipers
People who think they are saints, and the rest of us are headed to Hell. You know they are always saving the world, the planet, or just espousing what the rest of us SHOULD be doing. If I want to drink water from a plastic bottle, use styrofoam, or take a long, long shower, by God I will...lol.
I haven't read the whole thread, but agree with many peeves listed. I don't know if this one has been mentioned, but baby talk drives me a bit batty. I don't like it. I don't understand why people do it.
Thought of this one today at work while I watched a co-worker stab one of her best friends from work in the back. I hate tattletales and backstabbers and I know her friend wasn't doing anything wrong. And the worst part is if I went to her friend she'd shoot the messenger.
Especially the ones who drive with their dogs in their laps and their phones in their ears. I'm just hoping one of these self-absorbed ninnies don't run over some kid because they were too stupid to pay attention to where they were going.
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