I had started a post on Friday about some work crap, but our interwebz were up and down - but suffice it to say that ain't no one happy at my workplace, and I wonder how things will go over the next few months. On the plus side, I kicked off my Friday with a glass of wine.
I went out to a housewarming this evening, and the husband and I ended up going for a drink afterward with a ex of mine who works in comics and illustration, primarily. I had a good time listening to him go on about this deal or that, this friend of ours or that, and interjected occasionally - but didn't feel my usual need to cut in with my own stories. On the way home, I said to the husband that it was interesting - that if you let people talk, they just keep going... they'll tell you practically anything.
"What, you didn't know that?"
I'm an extrovert, so this is a revelation to me. And I suppose, something interesting for dialogue and character - some people talk and some people listen. If you can make yourself into someone who listens, there's no end to what you can learn.
Comic Guy and I have a weird relationship, but I am hoping that we can get along generally. Despite his being responsible for one of the top three most embarrassing moments of my life, I do still like him a great deal, and we've always had a good time together; our paths often cross professionally. We could be - We are good contacts for each other, people who could work together well. History is a strange thing.
Off to watch BSG.
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2 comments:
I like to call it the power of silence. Most people aren't comfortable with it and always try to fill the void.
I also find silence is a great tool in negotiation. Not responding right away has, at least 50% of the time, resulting in a better offer coming forward before I even opened my big trap.
Good for you for being on social terms with an ex ... you are very mature. I've never been able to pull that off. I only ever dated once in the industry and it was a disaster so I vowed not to do it again. There should only be one crazy person in a relationship anyway and that's me, by default, since I've chosen this insane career path. Most of my friends aren't in the industry at all, which is actually quite good. Helps me keep grounded in reality.
I PVRd BSG, haven't watched it yet. Went out to hear a friend and his brother play at the Pogue Mahone last night. Good times. Going to see Man of the Hour tonight .... major procrastination for work that I should be doing but am not in the headspace for, so it will probably be a late night.
I'm an extrovert, as well. I like to get all dressed up, go out and meet up with folks I already know, and make some new friends, too. I enjoy engaging in conversation but I have a really bad habit that I'm trying to break.
I'm a pretty good listener and will encourage you to talk about yourself, what you're up to, how's you're health, how are things with the family, kids doing well in school? etc...and once you've expressed yourself to a comfortable extent (I'll give you 10-15 minutes), then, it's all about me, me, me...and I will keep talking all about me until I've run out of things to say. And, trust me, that could take a while. Some people like that. They want to hand over the reins of the conversation, to take the spotlight off themselves, while others walk away thinking I'm the most self-centered, self-indulgent blow-hard they've ever met!
I'm sure there's a happy medium in there, somewhere, and I'll find it, by golly. But, until then, let me tell you all about the awesome week I'm having...
KJC
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