Le Conversation
Two days ago, I had a love-hate conversation with 2 coy mates whilst chilling at Starbucks. It was a refreshing, yet frustrating one. Thought-provoking, yet sometimes frivolous. It wasn't the conventional way that I engage in conversations. That one created hypothetical scenarios, touched on general knowledge, and raised intriguing questions, not largely about everyday life.
If it was my first meeting with those 2 coy mates, I would have thought they had known each other for several years. Both of them were speaking at the same wavelength throughout, and it so happened that they saw eye to eye on every issue, view, claim, opinion. At times I was heavily bombarded and could not utter a single thing. Even debate competitions do not work this way. One party speaks at one time; when the opponent hits the buzzer indicating a rebuttal, the opponent gets to speak. There were a few moments I felt the conversation was not going anywhere and if I had stayed, it will only bring negative feelings upon myself without any good. Good as in one, the conversation being an eye-opener to the way others interact and two, the conversation being a bridging medium for us to know one another better thereby fortifying our ties. But it was good I kept my cool. Only after we returned to camp when my thoughts started to settle down, pieces of memories started falling in place did I slowly analyze, make sense, and appreciate the talk we had.
I furrowed my brow at some parts of the conversation because of over-generalization and hasty conclusions. I was posed a question, "Who in the platoon do you click the best with?" Obviously after my answer, they wanted reasons. My reasons were vague, but I ought to defend myself. To begin, nobody stood out particularly so it was hard answering that. Also, I always try to give the most sincere answers. If it is something insincere, I would rather leave it unsaid. This explains why I was incoherent and unclear in wording. However, there are of course exceptions. Say I have always been having firm impressions of someone/something, I can easily give my views when asked.
I was also asked what kind of girls I appreciate. Had never given this a serious thought. I imagined myself saying nothing and they roll eyes and blame me for truncating the conversation, so I said something like "looks matter". Saying that I only like pretty girls was a hasty conclusion because who I find good looking may not be what the majority thinks and one who is good looking may not be one who I like. Plus, I meant that looks is merely one of the factors. I said that first because that's what you physically see and know first hand before you even speak. Next, I was asked if I will feel intimidated if the girl earns a higher income than me. I replied "Kind of" and that questioner accused me of being chauvinistic. I instead feel it is chivalrous, please. If a guy manages to earn a higher income than the girl, he can feel confident that he can support the girl. Plus feeling intimidated alone does not negate true love. If other factors are desirable then I believe they can still get together just that the guy might need some time to adjust his mindset. I am a person who have a strong sense of pride. If I disagree on something said about me, I would love to say it out, and I don't like people to teach/preach/instigate/manipulate me about/on/with stuff in a know-it-all manner, especially things that I already disagree with.
One of them also brought up Woody Allen. I've heard of his name but didn't know much about him. They went on to ask me if I have watched this film or that. Mostly no. Then the response was a rolling of eyes or a sigh. That was his area of expertise what. I love general knowledge, so actually I don't mind listening more. But that night I wondered if he thought I was an airhead or something. Anyway, I was pretty crushed that day, not able to form coherent sentences most of the time, unable to clearly express myself, and could not return fire effectively.
However in sum, it was an interesting experience. I guess we need time to adjust to one another only then we can communicate effectively and exchange a plethora of subjects. Some people can joke seamlessly. One will start and the other will add on, building up the intensity, working with perfect co-ordination and complement. It's either easy or hard. It's hard, for me. Actually depends on what kind of jokes. If you cannot think alike, then it won't work out. Usually I am one who touches more on sharing about life. Through this, there is less laughter compared to a conversation impregnated with jokes but you get to know the other party better and such. Well, you always gain some and lose some. This having said, it is still indeed better if one can juggle the serious and light-hearted sides well. For me, I will need to hone more on the latter. Whatever it is, it's good to be genuine. For those who really cherish a particular tie, don't just joke and forget, because every talk can take the relationship a step higher.
If it was my first meeting with those 2 coy mates, I would have thought they had known each other for several years. Both of them were speaking at the same wavelength throughout, and it so happened that they saw eye to eye on every issue, view, claim, opinion. At times I was heavily bombarded and could not utter a single thing. Even debate competitions do not work this way. One party speaks at one time; when the opponent hits the buzzer indicating a rebuttal, the opponent gets to speak. There were a few moments I felt the conversation was not going anywhere and if I had stayed, it will only bring negative feelings upon myself without any good. Good as in one, the conversation being an eye-opener to the way others interact and two, the conversation being a bridging medium for us to know one another better thereby fortifying our ties. But it was good I kept my cool. Only after we returned to camp when my thoughts started to settle down, pieces of memories started falling in place did I slowly analyze, make sense, and appreciate the talk we had.
I furrowed my brow at some parts of the conversation because of over-generalization and hasty conclusions. I was posed a question, "Who in the platoon do you click the best with?" Obviously after my answer, they wanted reasons. My reasons were vague, but I ought to defend myself. To begin, nobody stood out particularly so it was hard answering that. Also, I always try to give the most sincere answers. If it is something insincere, I would rather leave it unsaid. This explains why I was incoherent and unclear in wording. However, there are of course exceptions. Say I have always been having firm impressions of someone/something, I can easily give my views when asked.
I was also asked what kind of girls I appreciate. Had never given this a serious thought. I imagined myself saying nothing and they roll eyes and blame me for truncating the conversation, so I said something like "looks matter". Saying that I only like pretty girls was a hasty conclusion because who I find good looking may not be what the majority thinks and one who is good looking may not be one who I like. Plus, I meant that looks is merely one of the factors. I said that first because that's what you physically see and know first hand before you even speak. Next, I was asked if I will feel intimidated if the girl earns a higher income than me. I replied "Kind of" and that questioner accused me of being chauvinistic. I instead feel it is chivalrous, please. If a guy manages to earn a higher income than the girl, he can feel confident that he can support the girl. Plus feeling intimidated alone does not negate true love. If other factors are desirable then I believe they can still get together just that the guy might need some time to adjust his mindset. I am a person who have a strong sense of pride. If I disagree on something said about me, I would love to say it out, and I don't like people to teach/preach/instigate/manipulate me about/on/with stuff in a know-it-all manner, especially things that I already disagree with.
One of them also brought up Woody Allen. I've heard of his name but didn't know much about him. They went on to ask me if I have watched this film or that. Mostly no. Then the response was a rolling of eyes or a sigh. That was his area of expertise what. I love general knowledge, so actually I don't mind listening more. But that night I wondered if he thought I was an airhead or something. Anyway, I was pretty crushed that day, not able to form coherent sentences most of the time, unable to clearly express myself, and could not return fire effectively.
However in sum, it was an interesting experience. I guess we need time to adjust to one another only then we can communicate effectively and exchange a plethora of subjects. Some people can joke seamlessly. One will start and the other will add on, building up the intensity, working with perfect co-ordination and complement. It's either easy or hard. It's hard, for me. Actually depends on what kind of jokes. If you cannot think alike, then it won't work out. Usually I am one who touches more on sharing about life. Through this, there is less laughter compared to a conversation impregnated with jokes but you get to know the other party better and such. Well, you always gain some and lose some. This having said, it is still indeed better if one can juggle the serious and light-hearted sides well. For me, I will need to hone more on the latter. Whatever it is, it's good to be genuine. For those who really cherish a particular tie, don't just joke and forget, because every talk can take the relationship a step higher.
Comments
Post a Comment