Want to know if you’re the type of friend who talks more than listens?
Look at who has more food on their plate after a “catch up” lunch.
If your plate still has most of your menu selection moldering on it, guess what, IT’S YOU!
Yes, I know people eat at different rates of ravenousness, and some pick at their meals while others wolf them down.
Correcting for that, I’m still convinced that the person doing most of the talking is not eating their meal as quickly as the poor companion who can continue forking food into their mouth while listening to you go on and on and on about YOU.
One time I tested this theory and found that my loquacious lunchmate finally managed to ask me a question about myself WHEN THE CHECK WAS BEING DELIVERED TO THE TABLE.
Come on, people, we can do better than that!
If you find yourself with a friend or relative, try to make sure that you are asking at least half as many questions as topics you are expounding on. And I’m telling you this because I like you! The same way I would tell you if you had a green glob of spinach on your front tooth. Because I care.
You will make and keep more friends if you remember to show an interest in them and what they are doing, while still sharing an acceptable amount of what you are doing.
And definitely don’t be this guy:
