There is a difference, people.

I had a conversation with someone today about a certain FoodNetwork Canada TV show. The person I spoke with quickly said, "Oh, that doesn't interest me at all" and proceeded to talk about something completely different. This was after about twenty minutes of me listening to this person's gripes and grievances. I was just excited about this show and thought it was interesting. Nope. Shut down!

If it's okay for someone to talk about things that matter to them, entertain them, frustrate them, sadden them, make them happy, then why can't other people express these same things? Is it not fair for a listener to be able to speak as well? Don't other people's thoughts, opinions, and concerns matter?

Why bother even having a conversation with someone, if all you are going to do is have a monologue?

I asked Hubby today what he thought I should do. It's always the same thing. I just listen, listen, listen while this person talks, talks, talks and criticizes everyone. It's actually really depressing. When this person said, "How awful is it that so-and-so is behaving so badly?" or "So-and-so has been rumoured to be having an affair".

I. Don't. Care.

It's none of my business. I don't even know said person. I almost wanted to say, "Oh, that doesn't interest me at all". I didn't of course. Perhaps I should have.

The worst part is, some people don't seem to have a social filter. There's a difference between being honest and being rude.

Maybe it's just me, but the world would be a much happier place if people just learned how to talk to each other. Nicely. Politely. Courteously.

"Ewww! GROSS! That fancy dancy international $h!t you cook all the time just sounds weird to me. Your poor husband. I don't know how your husband eats that stuff. Don't you do steak and potatoes or something normal?" can easily be rephrased as "I haven't been introduced to international food and am actually quite hesitant to try it. Good for your husband for trying it".

Now, wouldn't that be a lot easier and kinder? Why bother spreading negativity? I don't see how it benefits anyone.