Strained Conversations

Have you noticed lately how conversations can be uncomfortable. There is more silence than ever before? I have noticed that even with family conversations. They can be stunted, strained or short, and it feels like it is just since the pandemic.

It is like we have to get used to each other all over again. Or maybe just get used to having conversations that are face to face. And even then, there is still the same thing with everyone on their phone during dinner that was going on before the pandemic.

I know that some people do not mind having trainings or meetings online. And then some people do mind. Most are older people. I have been asked for more online training. I have done that but I believe my material is better in person. Is it just because I am one of the "older people?"

My 40 something children began to prefer texting in their 20's, along with our youngest and then our grandchildren. My husband still has a flip phone. I joined all the online programs to stay in touch with kids and grands and now great grands.

Hubby still complains as everyone is still texting him, even though they know he can't text on his phone. Well, he can but it takes all day. He still manages to have a phone conversation with three of the seven children each week.

Can you believe hubby still has a flip phone?

I talk to just about anyone and everyone. I have conversations with the checkout people at all the stores I shop at. I sit down at an art show and talk with a person sitting next to me. By the time we are done with our conversation, she is asking for my phone number.

Not really! She did want my name and where I live as she was an hour from the gallery. I got home and told hubby, I was glad I went to the First Friday event without him as I probably had a better time. I made new friends and talked with some old friends.

Back to the real topic now. I do not find texting as enjoyable as face-to-face conversations. The hubby says it is because I can't babble on and on, like I can when I am with someone. I told him it is just him that I do that with as I can hear myself talk and know that he isn't listening anyway!

Good one I thought. He actually thought about that for awhile! Yesterday we were out with my brother and sister in-laws for lunch and the conversation was strained. We haven't been together in over 5 months and talked very little in between. There were hugs and see you soon though.

I had no trouble introducing topics and that is how it went. I introduced a topic, there were comments and then silence, until I introduced the next topic. Hubby decided it was time to go and that was how it ended. I realized that many of the conversations I am involved in are similar lately.

Then I wondered if it is just me, or has it always been this way and it is just because I have been in less conversations that I am noticing this? Is it me or is it everyone? Not sure I will get to find out.

I know people smile less than before the pandemic. I attribute that to wearing masks and not having to smile. You can tell that some businesses are better with customer service than others as those are places, I would rather shop at now since that has changed.

I expect people to be nice to me and I am nice back. I guess I expect that in people I have conversations with whether family or complete strangers. I will continue to be nice wherever I go and with whomever I have conversations with. No matter what! We all need that in the world today!