Let’s not lose art of conversation

Recently my wife asked what Twitter was. I showed her the Web site and she asked why so many people use it. I told her society was too self-involved. She asked what was different from texting someone. I told her you can find out what someone is doing “right this minute.” She didn’t understand and I told her it was OK.

More people play electronic sports on TV with a computer rather than playing the real thing outdoors. This generation wastes too much time with X-Box and Wii and few realize how it affects human interaction, initiative and physical health. We’ve had the X and Y Generations; maybe it’s time to label this one the XB or WE Generation.

I’m so grateful for my friends who are accomplished in the art of conversation. They tell stories that make people laugh an entire lifetime. I listen to some folks’ conversations and it’s like scraping your fingers on a chalkboard. More people should understand that constantly talking about yourself with someone doesn’t mean you’re having a conversation.

Test yourself to see what conversation skill level you have. Listen to yourself talk and if you say “I” or “me” every other sentence, then you’re either under 19 years old or you have poor conversation skills. The only other logical assumption is you simply think way too much about yourself.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. If your Facebook account is deactivated, keep it that way. You’ll be better off, trust me.

Ken Hopstad

Marysville

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