Evening star., 1960-01-24

lIldIl. 1IlcIl Willy - IL I.ldI 81
many of us are careless il, our
talking habits?
Not only are we Slipshod
in the choice of words We use,
but we manage somehow to
cultivate irritating chaicter-
iStics while talking. When
it is such an obvious fact
that ones popularity rating
is based largely on conver-
sational ability. it seems
strange to me that we dent
give more thought to our
habits in this regard.
A case in point: With poll
tics so much a part of every
ones CONVERSATION in Wash
ington, I have been rather
appalled, at the rudenesS, the
downright belligerance with
which some folks have ex-
pressed their views.
All too often a personal
opinion has been literally
forced on others in such a
manner as to preclude the
expression of their ideas. The
attitude being that. no matter
what they said. their opinion
wouldn't matter anyway.
Needless to say. such people
are not enhancing their pop
ularity and will not during
the coming months.
Do you monopolize the con-
versation; discuss your per-
sonal affairs; bore those
around you with detailed
anecdotes: refuse to allow the
other person a chance to get
a word in edgewise? This
is a fault that is all too
common.
Interrupting others in over
anxiety to express your views
is an annoying habit. Even
worse is the person who, be-
coming bored with the con-
versation, interrupts and
starts of on an entirely diff
ferent subject. Aside from
being extremely rude, it is a
verbal slap in the face to the
person who has been inter-
rupted.
Do you avoid making criti-
cisms? It's just as easy to
boost the other fellow as to
criticize him. If you can't
think of anything nice to say
about someone, why say any
thing at ALL
Do you pass on that juicy
piece of gossip that you heard
about your neXt-door neigh
Dor? The fact that perhaps
there isn't a word of truth in
1t bothers you not one whit.
The sad part of it is that
serious trouble and much un-
happiness is often the result
of thoughtleSsly repeated gos-
sip. For some reason this
vicious habit is usually
blamed on the ladies. 1 think
this is unfair! Listen to
group of men chatting some
time. 1t is my opinion that
they could teach the ladies
something when it comes to
gossip!
Are you a good listener?
This is the greatest attribute
of a good conversationalist.
The surest way in the world
to make people like you is to
pay them the compliment of
sincere interest in what they
are saying.
Use more than just your
ears to show interest. Keep
your eyes on the speaker.
Give him your undivided at
tention. Rowing eyes and
f1ddling fingers are a sure
indication of lack of interest.
If you are bored, make every
effort to cultivate the art of
not showing it. No minor
feat sometimes, I'll admit!
Questions, Answers
Question: am to be mar
ried in March. I am having
an argument with a friend
who is to be my best man. 1t
is my understanding that the
best man pays for the bach
elor dinner. He says that pay
for it. Please settle this argu-
ment for us. Mr.. L. r. c.
Answer-Your friend is abb
solutely correct. The BRIDE
groom always foots the bills
for his bachelor dinner and
usually on this occasion pre-
sents the best man and
ushers with personal gifts.
Question: am planning
to give a set of crystal glasses
at a shower which is being
given for an engaged couple.
/SSN~>NN~>~>o