Posted by noa on April 17, 2004, at 8:57:55
In reply to Re: Small Talk, posted by spoc on April 16, 2004, at 3:15:59
Sometimes, I've intiated a conversation with a cabbie and then have been very sorry because what I thought would have been a short friendly exchange has opened the door for something much more long winded. So I've learned to be very careful about opening that door!
I guess it could be worse! Just think of what it's like for an introspective cabbie with all those talky fares. I'm sure they learn how to tune out after a while, but it must be awful when they get the ones who insist on asking them a lot of questions in addition to talking their ears off.
On airplanes, I've had people tell me their whole life story! Sometimes it is interesting but other times it is a pain in the neck!
I like the coughing bit that you mentioned as a strategy--I hadn't thought of that one. Hey, to take it one step further, with the SARS thing out there, I guess one could always resort to a paper mask! That would definitely help set a boundary!
:~)
poster:noa
thread:336541
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040414/msgs/337119.html