Started by Danielle at There’s a Book, this weekly meme creates an opportunity for bloggers to put themselves out there and help readers get to know them outside of the bookish community. In Danielle’s own words,
“We all leave our footprint on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is.”
Posted each Saturday, Danielle dives into what makes us tick individually – our likes, dislikes, pictures, dreams, and so forth. It is a great way to step back from books and remind each other what truly makes us tick. I highly recommend you check out her post and the other meme participants!
This week’s question:
What is one thing you are really NOT good at?
One thing? I could name several and not even delve past the surface. I think the one thing I am horrible at is chit-chatting. I struggle to make small talk, especially in settings where I don’t know anyone. Even when I do know someone fairly well, I find it difficult to light on topics that can initiate a conversation. I don’t feel comfortable doing it, and it is something I do not enjoy either. This means that in unfamiliar situations, I am as silent as a clam and come across as the most uppity, snobbish person. I’m not (or I think I’m not). I just have no idea what to say to a bunch of strangers. This can definitely be an issue in the business world and has meant I have not had certain opportunities come my way because of it. At this point in time, all I can say is that I do try, but even my best effort is not as good as someone else’s initial attempt. Chit-chatting is just one skill that I have failed to learn.
What about you? What are you not good at?
LOL! You are TOO funny!
Part of my comment was cut off. I wanted to say:
Bookgazing,__You can't possibly be boring or stupid, you read book blogs.
Bookgazing,__You can't possibly be boring or stupid
A lot of people have this issue, it seems! My dad is inherently shy, as is my brother. My mother is a chatterbox, but I definitely did not inherit that gene!
What a fun meme idea. And I have the exact same problem with chit chat! It isn't in my genes!
Beer makes everything better, does it not? 😉
I'm like you. I get intimidated easily and am very shy when it comes to new situations. I am getting better as I get older, but it is not easy at all. We shall overcome!
That's a great idea! I will definitely have to incorporate that the next time I am in this situation.
I am definitely better at the written word than the spoken. I have a tendency to hide behind e-mails in most situations. I am trying to fix this, but it is not easy. It will be one of my next development focus.
LOL! I'm the same way. I have been accused of only sitting with the same people in business events – but that's because I am friends with them and don't know how or want to interact with others.
It is an acquired skill, and some of us are better at it than others. Combined with shyness, it can have devastating effects. That is going to be one of the things I want to improve over the next year.
I've been called a snob or stuck-up my entire life. I'm totally over it, but I would like to feel more comfortable in situations that involve me being surrounded by strangers. I think, like everything, it is a practiced skill, and I just need to put myself out there and work on this.
Also awful at small talk (unless I put a beer inside me), but people find me boring, or stupid instead of stuck up which I guess is preferrable? You're right it hurts to not be able to talk lots in business, that's really the only reason I wish I had that skill.
Otherwise umm lots of things but I guess cooking is probably the thing I am worst at.
My recent post Wrapped Up in Books
One more thing, I can also be very shy. When I run into people I went to high school with, the one thing they remember about me is – I was really, really shy. Also, many people perceive my shyness to mean I am stuck up. My husband, who I met at work, thought I was stuck up when I first started at his company, but I was actually intimidated by all the incredibly educated engineers
I bet you are better at small talk than you think. I admire how easily comments come to you on both other people’s blogs and twitter. It takes me a long time to get my thoughts down on “paper” and many comments I have to say end up going unsaid. Perhaps you are better with the written word than the spoken. ____I attend at least one networking event a month with my professional association and have found if I go out of my way to smile, greet guests and introduce myself it goes well. If I’m not feeling social and talk only to other members I already know the experience isn’t nearly as productive.__A suggestion I have had success with comes from Megan Hustad’s book "How to be Useful: A Guide to Not Hating Work." To keep the conversation moving after the initial greeting, ask the other person what project they are currently working on. This comment has led to many interesting conversations.
oh my – this is me to a T. I abhor chit-chatting and try to avoid all situations that involve such activities – if at all possible!
Michelle,
I can totally relate to everything you said on the subject of chit chatting / small talk. I hated that with a passion in the business environment, and would often find myself slipping out of the room at cocktail hours etc, so I would not have to stand there like a "dope". A good friend once told me that when we first met, she thought I was a snob, but it was just that "uncomfortable, awkward, aloof" affect that left that impression.
Hang in there!