October 31, 2004
some day
Some day I will learn to be succinct. I will say things like, "I plan to be brief," rather than, "Oh, yeah, I so want to talk a little bit less sometimes, because I just go on and on."
I've got the knowledge, but not the method. When I try it out, try to control my chattiness, I'm left feeling lonely inside. It's like I'm keeping most of my words inside. They form a sucking black hole and instead of my words bursting out of my mouth, I can manage a greeting and some nods. "Oh, yes! Lovely to meet you. Ah. I see. Mmhmm."
I usually abandon my plot before it has a chance to get me down. In college I used to write "SHUT UP" on the top of my notes. I decided that was a little harsh and went to "QUIET". Then I was embarrassed when my friend CuckooCrock asked, "Do you have a headache? Because I didn't say anything."
From then on out, my notes said had big Qs written all over them. I even tried writing it on my hand once.
When it works, though, there's backlash. People say, "Oh, Dotty, are you okay? You're so quiet." The tell me that I seem depressed. Sometimes they see that wild look in my eye and they back away.
In all, I suspect that this talking is one of those things that I'll learn to appreciate, learn to control, or stop caring about.
I'll let you know how it goes on Tuesday night when I hobnob with the swells at BrilliantEditor's Democratic House Party. Yo! Raise the roof on the union hall!
Posted by dotty at October 31, 2004 01:42 AM