Lost Art of Conversation (a thoughtful tangent)
Not too long ago, I was driving with my partner on our way back from a family gathering. We were driving through the country-side and we did as we always do, we struck up a conversation. One of the conversations we had regarded some wild turkey we crossed. We wondered what was their diets, what bugs, plants, and animals did they eat. I spoke about them potentially eating field mice or rodents of that nature alongside seeds. My partner spoke about the possibility of them eating different types of plants. It was a nice conversation that had a nice back-and-forth nature. While having this conversation I found that I don't get talks of this nature very often with people. Usually two things happen. Either they insist on looking it up on google or asking Alexa. Or (the worse one) is the other participant not participating in the fun little discussion or bullying people into agreeing with them. I enjoy these conversations that people can learn from, and even if you don't learn from them they are a great time-waster. I feel as though people do not want to have these conversations. Some people might belief it is small talk (which to some extent it is), but it isn't the boring-and-going-nowhere kind. Both people learn, and they grow their conversing skills. It is a benefit to both sides. I am not telling the people the redundant fact that it is cold outside, because we both know it. I am trying to have a fun back-and-forth on something that we both might not know. I have also found surprise pleasure in the fact that someone who better knows a subject I brought up will speak up and better educate me. I feel as though because of the internet, giant apartment complexes, and the distance between people (not physically, but socially) we have grown a part. I have heard stories of my grandparents knowing just about everyone in town. Me? I knew nearly no one in my hometown. People get surprised that I don't know "so and so" even though I have lived here my whole life. It might be the fact that I have not had those conversations to get to know people. I was a bit secluded as a kid, but kids do that -- I think. To circle back, we need to have conversations like these (and many more kinds) to better connect with people. Also to better educate people.