The realist

The realist

Most things that are said are soon forgotten and if not forgotten we don’t always remember who said them. However, through conversation we unburden our sorrows and share our joys. Not many master the art of what is one of the most enjoyable aspects of life, conversation. The safest option: I will say what I want to say with the words of my choosing and let you do the same.

The anecdotalist

Some anecdotes are well received. Others, much less so, no matter how well you formulate them. We try them out on different people to see which are well received. Some rouse little amusement or interest. The shorter succinct ones are the best. People struggle to stop yawning when you take too long conveying your story. Say a particular word and out comes the anecdote. Often an anecdote you have heard countless times before.

Years can pass before we discover that stories told to us were completely fabricated. We love fascinating and funny tales. Does it really matter that things were exaggerated if no one got hurt? A huge swath of entertainment is based on fiction. Films, books, programmes, theatre and so on, so why not discussions around the table too.