Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Rants and Eye Contact

You just seem like a person who listens very well.

A friend of mine told me that when I told her that people seem to like to pour their rants to me. We had lunch in the cafeteria today, or actually I had lunch while she accompanied me, and the stall’s boss came and chat with us. He’s like our friend now haha he thought me friend’s sister ERT back in school so we’re quite well acquainted (damn his food is super awesome). He was talking about the problems that came up with the restaurant he’s partnering in Ipoh and boy..was it a long rant. If I didn’t get that phone call and leave early he would’ve continued talking.

It has happened many times before, people would just start talking and somehow I would be the only one left there to listen. I don’t mind listening, really. It feels nice to be able to be there for that person, even if it’s just me sitting there and listening to them rant. It feels nice. I obviously cannot do anything to help with whatever they’re rambling about but at least I can listen and let them vent. I think that helps in a way. People can release a bit of frustration or whatever by venting right? So, in a way I am helping. In a way…right? Hahaha

Or if that person has a story to tell or something. Once during Chinese New Year, I asked my uncle about internship and which/what type of company I should go to and oh my goodness, I was stuck there listening to him for almost an hour I tell you. I didn’t mind it because I was the one who started the conversation in the first place so I just let him talk, nodding and giving responses when necessary. I think I can add that to my short list of skills: Able to act like I’m paying attention and giving appropriate responses at appropriate times. A good skill to have, no?

People usually think I’m paying attention to what they say because I maintain eye contact with them so they keep talking and talking and talking when I have no idea what they’re talking about. Of course, I use that with discretion, I don’t pretend all the time. Sometimes I really am interested in what the other person has to say so I pay attention for real. So that’s where/how I learnt that eye contact is very important in any conversation. I’ve also learnt that using that on lecturers during class is super effective in not getting the lecturer to pick you to answer questions. It works I tell you! It really works. Just maintain eye contact with the lecturer and he/she will never ask you to answer questions. Seriously, go try it. They never will because they always aim at those who are trying to siam XD

Though..I have to say I got caught once. The lecturer called me to answer and I said I didn’t know.

“You’re not paying attention, are you? Your mind was someplace else, right?”

“Yes..”

“Good, at least you’re honest”

Hehehe  ok so it doesn’t really work all the time but it does most  of the time haha! But seriously, go try it out and see



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