Have you ever talked to someone and all they do is talk about themselves?
Have you ever paid attention to the things you say? Is that all you’re doing as well?
Sometimes when you step back and observe a conversation, it’s simply people waiting for their turn to speak so they can relate the topic back to them. It doesn’t make for a very interesting conversation, and we’re all guilty of it sometimes.
This goes back to identity and how we choose to identify ourselves. Sometimes we have this need to make proclamations to describe who we are just in case people don’t know. The reality is the only true indicators of who we are as people come from our actions.
It feels as if we’re baby birds with our mouths open hoping for worms of validation, but our stomachs never fill up. That’s the danger with validation: it’s an addiction with no end in sight.
We’re all self-absorbed to varying degrees, and our self-interests dictate the decisions we make. But being mindful of these facts can do well to enhance our ability to interact with others.
It’s OK if we don’t get along with everyone. Folks are like chemicals, and when they mix, the reaction can be anything. We tend not to like in others what we don’t like in ourselves, so if you come across a person you can’t stand, it’s beneficial to pay attention to why, for your own sake.
Talk to people you’re interested in talking to, and ask them questions because learning new shit is fun. If they’re not interesting to you, create a diversion and run away. Life’s too short to be around folks you don’t want to be around.
Pay attention to the words and ideas you put out in the universe as well. If you are only about yourself, you’ll only be left with yourself.