The Naked Truth
Sometimes, for the life of me, I can’t understand why something interests another person.
It’s often television or sports. When someone is talking to me about those things, I have to pay very close attention, so that I don’t start daydreaming. I ask a lot of questions, to keep myself engaged.
I still enjoy the conversation, but the passion just isn’t there. I like to think that having these discussions means it’s more likely that I’ll enjoy these things in the future, but who knows.
So that’s the naked truth about me. I’m sure a few other people are the same way.
But then there are those people who just brush off all of your interests. They make broad statements when you start talking about something, such as “I don’t like ‘fill-in-the-blanks-of-whatever-you’re-talking-about’ ”
This happened awhile ago in a group conversation I was in. I was telling someone that I was going to my first Cubs game this summer, and that I was excited to see what it was like. I went on to ask that person how it is determined who makes the playoffs (or whatever they’re called), because it seemed to me like the teams play a ton of games, and I didn’t understand how it worked (and was genuinely interested!).
Before that person could begin to explain it to me (and I asked him because I knew he was a baseball fan), another person at the table went into their spiel about why they hate baseball and baseball games. Why I wouldn’t have any fun at the game. How I’d probably have more fun working then being at a game. How I might as well not go to the game.
Um. Okay.
Obviously, that person’s issue is bigger than being bored by other people’s interests. But, come on! Remember that saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? I think it’s important to remember that one from time to time, especially in mixed company.
I am guilty of this sometimes, but I try to make an effort, because I am fascinated to learn what interests other people, whether or not it something I personally like.
Themocracy
Some people say stuff purely out of self interest. It’s because THAT person didn’t want to hear about baseball, so THAT person made some grossly obnoxious and inappropriate remark hoping to shut everyone else up. But, in the end, it’s THAT person who looks like an ass.
If I were part of that conversation. Even if I didn’t want to hear about baseball. I’d tell THAT person to go eat lunch by themselves in the corner until they could contribute to the conversation like a normal adult.
It bothers me immensely when someone not only discounts my interests but calls them “stupid” or asks how someone as seemingly intelligent as me can like such and such.
That is NOT the way to win friends and influence people, sheesh. 😉
I think you have a very sweet approach of actually trying to engage and ask questions when someone talks about something that you yourself aren’t that into. Bitching about something that someone else is already planning to do is definitely not productive.
That’s when you tell that person they need to Google “how to fornicate one’s self.” 🙂
I think it is sweet that you try to learn about other people’s interests even if they don’t happen to interest you. I do not like it when I am all excited about something and as I am telling someone, they say “oh, I would never do…” whatever I am talking about. It ends the conversation and leaves a bad feeling towards that person no matter what else they say after that.
Carry a squirt gun and shoot em between the eyes when they do that. 🙂
They won’t be bored anymore, and neither will you!
And this is undoubtedly one of the reasons you blog. To learn things you don’t think you have any interest in, try new things, and hopefully inspire others to look into things they may think they don’t like, but have never even tried. 😉
Nilsa – Exactly. It’s childish behavior. It amazes me that some adults act that way. They only think of themselves.
Hilly – The nerve! It must secretly make people feel better to put other down that way. No matter HOW intelligent we are, we may have the silliest interests. Who cares?!
Jess – Thanks. It’s so strange to me. Why would you put down something that someone is obviously excited about doing? Just to be mean?
ajooja – Lol. I’ll try that next time! 🙂
tori – And you never really get over it, right? You think “Why should I like them if they could be so rude to me?”
Kyra – Good idea! At least then I would be laughing!
Lisa – What a GREAT point. I was thinking about that this morning – why do I read other’s blogs? Why I am constantly searching for new things to read? It’s because I like to try new things, and learn new things 🙂
Obviously that person is a White Sox fan and is just jealous that you support an awesome team that swept them away last week!!!
Plus its not just the game that counts its who you see it with and the atmosphere that make the difference!
P.S. At the game, keep your eye out for Mark DeRosa, he’s a HUNK. But don’t tell Kyle I told you… hehehe 🙂
I can not believe someone said that. about basebal. hehe…seriously, that person’s comments just makes him (or her) look like a big arse. I would’ve gave him one of my famous eye rolls and said, ok…aaaaaaaanyway, so about playoffs…and continued on with my baseball conversation. Anything to make that person look completely nuts.
Christina – Buah ha ha! You make me laugh sister! 😀 I know WE are going to have a GREAT time. And I’ll have to watch out for this DeRosa guy… where are our seats again?
Gina (Mannyed) – This person does a pretty good job of making themselves look nuts on their own – they just don’t realize it! Doesn’t it seem so strange that someone who hates baseball so passionately lives in Chicago, where we have two teams? 😛