Me Myself and I

There’s no way of getting away from it.  Everywhere I go, I bump into and meet someone whose topic of conversation always revolves around them.  It appears the world has changed from being a society of people who care about each other to one of just looking out for oneself.

For the last 10 years, corporations, companies and even churches have taught about how to be a good listener.  So instead of interrupting people in the middle of the conversation to give my two cents, I decided I would practice at getting better listening skills.  The problem was the better listener I became, the more people who wanted to speak about themselves I would attract.

Do you know how boring it is to listen to people brag about themselves, complain about themselves, and feel pity on themselves, talk about how everything affects them and how is?  I’m starting to think that being a good listener is not what is all cracked up to be.

Maybe corporations, companies and churches need to start teaching folks on how not to be so self absorbed and self-centered. 

The way I see it is either these people are self-centered and self-absorbed or they are just ignorant and have no knowledge of other interests they can speak about.  I can’t imagine how that could be since we are surrounded by news in all types of forms like television, internet, cell phones, newspapers etc.  So they just may be self-centered and self-absorbed.

All I know is that I’m sick of it! If you are one of those people – Please! Please! Please! Look into getting familiar with sports, government, your community and stop talking about you – IT’S BORING!!!!

Everyone, please take an interest on the topic of conversation.  Do not make the conversation yours.  Listening is important but also how you respond is too.  If a person approaches you and begins to speak about a horrible situation they are encountering at work – listen and don’t change the whole conversation on how the same thing happen to you 10 years ago and completely disregard the person.  The person is telling you because they need an ear!  They definitely don’t want to hear your story.

If a person tells you a story about their marriage going to the toilet; please don’t change the conversation around and tell them about your horrible marriage that almost ended in death.  Trust me; it’s the last thing they want to hear.  Just listen to them, offer constructive criticism if asked, offer advice if asked and don’t interrupt the conversation.

You know who you are.  Yes I’m speaking to you. 

Ok I’ve said my peace – hopefully my future conversations will be less boring.