Conversation

Good conversation is an art. Talking to someone and keep the conversation going is not easy. When two people are talking there should not be long pauses while each one is thinking about what to say. If that is the case, don't even start conversing. The most important element of a good conversation is showing interest in each other. Show interest in what the other party is talking about, raise questions and possibly offer careful comments.

My Mother was a great conversationalist. Her friends loved her. She knew how to engage people into conversing. She listened and commented and offered careful advice. Not knowing in advance how things will turn out in questionable situations, advising is a dangerous thing. "Warring" parties will make peace and if one takes side they both will gang up against him or her.

Don't smother the other person with personal issues. Nobody really cares about these things. I hear Abigail's conversations with friends and each and every one of them only talk about themselves. When we inquire about something relating to the friends, she never knows the answer. Her response always is: how should I know.

They do not care about each other, each one is only talking about themselves. If we try to explain the reaction is: you are too old, this is the now way! Well, if this is the now way, they can keep it.