i dont know, having issues again!

[second_opinion]

Lately Ive noticed Im having difficulty starting a conversation, especailly with people older than me. For example, at family gatherings, everyone has something good to say apart from me, I feel really dumb. I rather be in my room than sit with guests. What should I do? How do I overcome this?

 

I feel like Im going to say something really pathetic.

[darkblue]

Do you have these problems with people your own age?

 

Nothing anyone has to say is pathetic, so long as it means something to them.

[second_opinion]

I dont have this problem with people my age, I can always find a common piece of ground, however with people who are 27 and over, it gets alittle tricky. Especially if they are marriade or they have kids etc.

[darkblue]

There are general smalltalk comments anyone can say.

You don't have to be their age, have children, etc to talk about them.

 

I think the best thing to do is to talk about yourself.

You know all about that subject!

[second_opinion]

Yeh but I dont like talking about myself, even to those my age. Im more of a listener.

[darkblue]

Do they involve you in conversation much?

 

Remember that there's nothing wrong with being introverted.

[second_opinion]

yeh there are times where they involuve me in the conversation, but not always. My cousin can talk in every situation, she can always start a conversation! Its so fustrating.

[Scout]

I assume this issue is related to the increased social activities around the holidays, so I'll give my advice under that assumption...

 

Anyway, this sounds really trite, but I've heard that even the most banal comment about the party food will spark a conversation with someone. For example, "Isn't this dip delicious?" Or, you could open with, "So are your kids getting excited about Christmas?" (or whatever holiday you're celebrating).

 

People want to talk and converse, and very often all you have to do is throw out an opening question and they'll take the ball and run with it.