Question Regarding Interactions

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DarkCloud
However, I'm really wondering if it's possible to take a chance and try a more difficult way to improve the conversation (I don't know if it's possible, but I figure that at least someone here could solve the problem)

I reckon if you are pretty close to the other person, you could give it a shot. OTOH, if you are just trying to make smalltalk, it doesn't seem like the way to go.

Originally posted by DarkCloud
For example, how would you suggest to discuss something and make the other person actually value it. That is, you may be neutral in opinion toward the car- the car says nothing about the person- but the person feels less of a person when people talk about the car?

Hm. Suppose you have seen his car. Maybe "I was walking through the parking lot yesterday and noticed a really well-kept Dodge pick up truck. Is that yours? Fine work! Don't look more than a day older than 10 years. Still got a good number of years in her." Something like that maybe. Of course only say that if that's how you feel. Don't lie.

Originally posted by DarkCloud
So I guess the general consensus is basically that perhaps the best solution is just to take the person aside and ask them "is this what's going on..."

Something like "You seem upset. What's bothering you?" maybe better. Try to get him open up. Asking "is this what's going on" may end up in a simple "yes" or "no."

Originally posted by DarkCloud
The second part of the answer though, is the difficult one since I would be apologizing in the first half for upsetting the person- BUT in the SECOND half... I wouldn't be changing how I act because I think that the other person is either too harsh or frankly, wrong.

Let him speak his mind first, asking helpful questions along the way Get him put his story on the table.

[DarkCloud]

Gotcha, thanks again Urban Ranger!

[Kuciwalker]

Re: Question Regarding Interactions

Originally posted by DarkCloud
stuff

tldr. summary?