It's All About Me

I like to talk.  A lot. As of late though, I've begun realizing its not just any old talk, I like to talk about myself.   I have become the master of making it all about me. I can direct the flow of practically any conversation back to myself, and I have become quite skilled at this talent over the course of my life.  I like to be funny, I like to have other people enjoy talking to me, but at some point I have to reflect and tell myself to listen to the other people.  I think, to an extent, I just want to be relatable   I want my life to be an open book where people know I am open to anything they have to say and get an honest opinion.  I want to be the go-to gal.  The one you can go to when you need help, the one who will talk out your thoughts with you in a coffee house {preferably Starbucks}.  But as much as I want those things I can't help but want to say stuff!   Now, I don't want anyone to read this and think I'm a self centered jerk, {hopefully those who know me don't think that!} but I do want people to read this and know that in a world full of idols and distractions, it is so easy to put ourselves first; and I know first hand.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are a lot of reasons to talk about yourself in a conversation, to be able to contribute to the flow, to get a laugh, to avoid being a recluse... What I am talking about is the kind of self-centered conversation where you are just waiting on the other person to finish so you could get back to what you were saying.  Sometimes, I feel like we as a group just want a human sponge.  Someone who will stand there and listen to our complaints, our stories of those rude customers at our job, how we are dreading monday, blah blah blah.  But I think it takes real effort to sometimes take the time and the focus off ourselves  and to really listen to what the other person is saying.   We all want close relationships, to feel intimacy and connected with those around us, yet why do I feel like so many people miss that?  We need to be deep with each other.  Not rush each others sentences so that we can compete with each other over who gets the most talk time (what are we, presidential candidates?), or hold that thought, I just need to say hi to this friend over here, be back in a few, but to truly be present and let the other person speak what's on their heart.  Everyone wants to be heard, including me, but maybe if we show that we truly want to know someone, they will want to know us as well.  And BAM! You just got yourself a beautiful friendship.