As I remember it, people spent more time visiting each other, or eating out in cafés together; live contacts with real people were a much bigger part of daily life, and people were far more skilled in two-way conversations.
Indeed. People were much more personable. You bring up a good point about two-way conversations. I wonder how many people would be comfortable having to talk with one another with no crutches. I bet a good majority of people wouldn't know what to do.
I wish I remembered the name of a psychologist whom I heard speaking on ABC radio. He was introduced as one of the world's top specialists in communications. He said talking in monologues had become so common as to be almost normal, and that many people had no idea of the necessity of stopping to listen and give the other a chance to respond and participate.
For instance, the average person cannot accurately remember what someone said after 45 seconds. An average rate of speech is around 150 words per minute. That means the maximum time I could expect someone to listen lasts for around 112 words or 4 sentences of 28 words each, 5 of 21 or 6 of 18. It should be enough to make most points clearly. And yet many of us waffle on endlessly, and will take umbrage if someone interrupts.
The specialist thinks this monologuing is a by-product of internet social sites, and thinks we probably need training. [For instance, here, I can write this as long as I like. I cannot read the face of the reader in real time - so I have no way of knowing how it goes down - unless someone like you leaves a response dislocated in time.]
I can say one thing for certain. I would like to sit down and have a person-to-person conversation with you. From what I know of you, through answerMug, I think you are a delight and would be wonderful company. :) :) I believe your statistics and the sad part is, people don't take the time to listen. Many have forgotten how important it is to see, eye-to-eye the other's reaction to the information you are sharing. As I'm sure you have gathered by now, I am happily married and have been for many years but the dating internet thing is so beyond me it is ridiculous. Now, it seems people are more interested in doing a back ground check on the person, how much money they make, etc. as opposed to actually seeing the person, feeling their presence and finding a "vibe" of connection. Not how many zeros they have behind a number next to their atm card. That may sound rather hippy-like but I am a strong believer in presence and feeling. (Not sexually) just knowing how they are before every engaging in conversation. And yes, the time is important, too. I just received this and you wrote it 3 hours ago. Once I read it, I did respond but I didn't see it until now. Being in the moment and not doing it "On your own time," is very important too. I know it's impossible but it is nice to think that someday we might have tea. :) :)
Ditto! :) Whenever I see that beautiful hat, I zoom in to the words. I'd love nothing better than to share tea or coffee and a leisurely tête a tête and heart to heart with you, Merlin. :) Agree about the vibes and energy thing too.
I don't tell kids. I ask kids. I love kids and I just want them to be happy.
I didn't feel this blissful about them when it really counted. I am trying to make up for lost time.
They really make me happy and I hardly see them. Bummer. Some day.
I would love to have an opportunity to massage children.
I am a therapist and I may have just gotten an idea for a project that could maybe blossom.
If I actually act upon it.
Maybe I could volunteer at a hospital on my day off. I would feel so proud of myself if I do this. I am very depressed lately. I feel like I don't have much to really look forward to anymore, and I think it is because I am in a rut.
That would be good. That is vitamin L. The love vitamin.
Not many things raise one’s self worth or bring satisfaction more than helping other people. More people should. You may want to be careful about that massaging children idea, though. Can come off a little creepy.
"Kids React" and other Fine Brothers Entertainment vids are some of my most favorite on YouTube. I loved this one in particular. The boy featured here is on Fresh Off The Boat.
I've heard it said by young relatives, "It takes so long to dial! How could you people wait so long for it to dial?" (hard to keep a straight face) LOL
Probably the folklore of Central Vancouver Island. I could tell then the story of Sir Laurie the Loonie who was planning a voyage across the Straight of Georgia in a Leakey rubber one man dingy that was full of topsoil. And how the brave Knight Nanook saved his life by poking a big hole in the bottom of the dingy and then blaming it on sea barnacles. Or I could tell them about the Deep Bay Goat people or the secrete UFO at the Navy base. Cheers!
"Great-Grandpa, is it really true that there was a time when poor grammar in both speaking and writing was a rampant worldwide problem, and that you were part of the movement that began to eradicate it? It sounds kind of fishy to me, all made up, if you know what I mean . . . "
Don Barzini 