Not class related, just putting thoughts out there.

[oh_lorelei]

I find the entire experience of conversation, of dialogue, to be problematic. The thing is I have entire conversations with people in my head, people I know, I mean, about subjects that really concern me, and in these conversations I express myself clearly and wholly, and they listen attentively and understand. And problems feel solved this way.

Comments

[jagged_plastic]

Um... try writing the jist of the conversation down...

[roger_kuin]

That's a good suggestion (though we spell it "gist"). Also, do the people in your head just listen and nod, or do you occasionally let them have their say? A conversation, after all, is an exchange. In real life, few people are ready for conversation -- too busy, too preoccupied with their own lives, so forth. So if you want to have a serious one, to help you work something out, for example, it helps a) to choose your partner(s)(some people are hopeless for this), b) to choose your moment (not while everyone's cell phone is ringing five times a minute), and c) perhaps to give a discreet but clear indication to the other(s) that this is important to you, and that their feedback is important to you. That will make them feel good about themselves, and thus readier to listen to you.
Of course, sometimes the only way is to take the others by the heels and vigorously bounce their heads on the pavement...

[liver86]

"Of course, sometimes the only way is to take the others by the heels and vigorously bounce their heads on the pavement..."

oooooh, I like this idea, I'm all for it.. it will force them to talk for sure...to your lawyer that is

break the ice with laughter or a lighter, either one, they'll have something to say back at you..

[oh_lorelei]

thanks guys, feedback is very much appreciated. and professor kuin (roger? CD-ROM? sir?), yes, people do in fact respond in these conversations of mine... not that that makes a difference, since their response would just be my own interpretation of what they would say. though I do try to be accurate. moving on--that's some sound advice you've offered... now it's all just a matter of courage. and I think I'm learning about that.

the world is a terrifying place to live... but I kinda like it.

[melsc]

Wow I understand what you are saying. I often do that as well. I always come up with great conversation in my head, but when it attempts to come out it just doesn't make sense. Perhaps this is because the conversations I plan are usually important and when I approach the subject I clam up and feel extremely nervous. Courage is definitely something I need to work on-unless I'm inebriated, but then the words also don't make sense. Oh well.