Among Friends

[qualitygal]

I don't like the gossipy talking about other people type of talk.  Since childhood, I've hated the only talk about "doctors", it now is too much of my life!!!  So I agree, listen.

[CherryHugs]

When my beloved Mom was alive I used to love to hear her stories about things that happened to her as a kid and a teenager. I miss that and her so much.

[RedTop]

When I'm with family, I talk about the past a lot.   I am seen as the family historian for my family, as well as my husbands family.   It never fails that at some point someone will ask me a question and I will tell them something they didn't know.   

In my family the same stories have been repeated for decades; my mother is 87 and the only one left of her family, but the old stories will leave this world with her.  I have found facts that have taken all the mystery out of these old stories, and am leaving a more finished version from this point forward.  

I just recently found the loose end in my husbands genealogy, and will be sharing that info for months and years to come.

[Shop Till you Drop]

I love hearing stories from my families past.  If I didnt hear them and even hear them repeated sometimes I wouldnt know some very special events that happened in my families lives.  Now that most of them have passed away and I can hear them talk about the past, I can live with my special memories of them sharing with me, that is priceless.  I certainly do live in the moment, but my past is what made me who I am toady and I am proud of those that brougt me to this place.

[haddon9]

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@Trinity11 wrote:

When I am in social situations I try and focus being a good listener. I have found people really love talking about themselves. As far as topics, I usually excuse myself after awhile if someone wants to drone on about their numerous health problems. I talk about the past if my grandson asks about my daughter when she was little. He enjoys those stories....

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To me this is far more boring! I don't like hearing about endless health issues.

I don't mind an occasional story from years ago but it can get dull if that is what one only talks about.

[Trinity11]

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@haddon9 wrote:

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@Trinity11 wrote:

When I am in social situations I try and focus being a good listener. I have found people really love talking about themselves. As far as topics, I usually excuse myself after awhile if someone wants to drone on about their numerous health problems. I talk about the past if my grandson asks about my daughter when she was little. He enjoys those stories....

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To me this is far more boring! I don't like hearing about endless health issues.

I don't mind an occasional story from years ago but it can get dull if that is what one only talks about.

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When I was first diagnosed in my teens with Type 1 diabetes, it seemed every time I got together with relatives someone had a disaster story about one person or another who died a horrible death from amputations and very young. It made me mindful of how insensitive it can be to drone on about health. I avoid the topic with friends unless asked where I try and keep it to just a word or two and then I change the subject @haddon9 .

[hckynut]

@haddon9 

The major part of my present social life is the many different people I meet at the ice rink. A few I have known for years, and some for decades. Those that I meet for the 1st time while skating, are usually different types of conversations.

Those that are beginner skaters, I do not talk with them while they are skating. They need to focus 100% on standing up, which turning their heads to talk, is not conducive to keeping one's balance.

If they are sitting on the players benches next to the ice, I skate over and talk with them. Anyone new I see come onto the ice, I always say "hi" to them, including very young kids. From there I spend most of my time skating, but do have to pull over to drink my water, and let my Heart Rate come down.

A few are still there in the lobby after the session ends, and we again carry on a conversation. Some are interested in general topics, many ask me about my skating history.

That is why ice skating alone is my love, but meeting new people, is also a factor for me since I like listening, and yes! Talking too much at times(most of the time). =^..^=

hckynut 

[PreKteacher]

Stories from the past can be very interesting and entertaining, and sometimes talking about recent events can be boring. I don't think you necessarily need to put a date limitation on conversation topics, just work on telling stories that will be enjoyed by your family.  

[jannabelle1]

I think there's a difference between talking about (or answering a question about) the history of your family versus "...do you remember when (name) did (such and such)". Sometimes one person or several do nothing but chatter on and on about an event that isn't very significant and doesn't really interest most people. Remembering the good old days isn't always that important to everyone in the group!

[haddon9]

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@Trinity11 wrote:

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@haddon9 wrote:

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@Trinity11 wrote:

When I am in social situations I try and focus being a good listener. I have found people really love talking about themselves. As far as topics, I usually excuse myself after awhile if someone wants to drone on about their numerous health problems. I talk about the past if my grandson asks about my daughter when she was little. He enjoys those stories....

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To me this is far more boring! I don't like hearing about endless health issues.

I don't mind an occasional story from years ago but it can get dull if that is what one only talks about.

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When I was first diagnosed in my teens with Type 1 diabetes, it seemed every time I got together with relatives someone had a disaster story about one person or another who died a horrible death from amputations and very young. It made me mindful of how insensitive it can be to drone on about health. I avoid the topic with friends unless asked where I try and keep it to just a word or two and then I change the subject @haddon9 .

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@Trinity11We all have health issues to some extent or another...some much worse than others of course.  I don't mind discussing a bit and showing concern, but you know they types who just love to drone on about their health issues...I find that such a bore! 

I can't imagine why your relatives would go on about bad case scenarios with your illness....how awful & insensitive!