Kristina Lim

I am someone who has had more than one person’s share of conversation bloopers. Lessons learned?

First of all, if you are not yet comfortable enough talking with someone, and are already running out of topics to talk about but still want to keep the conversation going — do not talk about this. You will be likely to reach a sucky stale.

Self: Haha, I can’t think of other things to talk about! I’m terrible with conversations!
Not a conversationalist either: Really?? Me, too!
* Silence for several minutes.

Then, if you do not feel like elaborating on a philosophy, do not go into it at all. Shallow, boring, cliched statements are never welcome.

Acquaintance: Good luck!
Self: I really don’t think we will make it, but we will definitely be doing our best.
Acquaintance: That’s okay. [dry statements about a certain philosophy]
Self: Yeah, of course I know that. [dry statements supporting that philosophy]
Acquaintance: [more dry statements]
Self: Yeah…
Acquaintance: Yeah.
* End of the online conversation. We did not talk again for weeks.

Lastly, if you are too tired, do not bother conversing.

Friend: Kris, umuulan… (Kris, it’s raining.)
Self: *smiles* Ng ano? (With what?)
Friend: *confused* Umuulan. (It’s raining.)
Self: *smiles some more* Ng ano? (With what?)
Friend: *even more confused* Umuulan. (It’s raining.)
Self: *starting to become intrigued* Ng ano nga? (I asked what with.)
(But Gen has a quick mind.)
Friend: *silent for a while* … Cats and dogs?

Hah.