What is it to talk?
To have a conversation about nothing that lasts for hours and tells you everything you’ve never wanted to know. For me - these are the best - eyes glazed over, high on information of the esoteric sort. Not in a snobby sense, but rather in the sincerest meaning of the word.
The “this conversation means an inappropriate amount to me and while the world’s vast population might agree that I’m what they’d call ‘insane’ - that moniker alone cements my resolve” type type of esotericism.
A good example is our affinity towards blogging and sharing our interests, opinions, and daily lives with others. Some have an ironic approach branding topics and interests “meaningful” and “relevant”, hosting debates on the merits of many aspects of life, generally reserved for dinner parties at a friends home, online instead for all to see and witness. Even on blogs however, conversations can leer into unchartered waters as if the web imitates real life - talking AT me rather than WITH me.
When I talk to people in real life - which is as often as I can appropriately do - I primarily want to know what makes them tick and how can I help them get there. This process takes many shapes - and like clockwork invites “unfortunate” personalities that deem me as “earnest” as a “puppy” and often times trying “too hard” to “fit in” or “be liked”.
And while that’s “not easy” to type its become increasingly true as I put myself out there more and more - a risk I’ll regularly take, because the short term sacrifices are worth the long term relationships and learnings that I acquire through caring deeply about others - even at a personal cost. This not to say I’ll always be like this …
If I was reckless two years or so ago - I’m measured and cordial now - and in a few years pending work, family, life, and health, I may even be tepid. The factors in my outreach vary as do the results - but my intent will always be the same - how can I help?
I guess what I’m getting at is: why are you here?
p.s. re-reading that last paragraph I felt like Louie Anderson’s character in Coming to America:
“I started out just like you guys - on trash. Now, I’m washing lettuce. Pretty soon I’ll be on fries. In a year or two, I’ll make assistant manager….and that’s when the big bucks start rolling in!” - Maurice
