Talking to strangers

My ex-husband and I began to showcase our relationship when he was the chair of a department at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Naturally, we had to attend many social functions. This led me to buy a whole set of clothes that were not my favorite and to engage in conversations with too many people. At most of these events, I positioned myself next to the wine station or close to the chocolate-covered strawberries and passively responded to people drawn to these delights. I couldn't wait for these gatherings to be over. I never initiated a conversation and made sure it died quickly if anybody dared to approach me.

Several years later, at a different kind of party hosted by our friends, I was cornered by the hostess and, since I had no choice, decided to listen to her with full attention. I asked questions that made sense and volunteered some opinions. I was surprised at how much more I enjoyed this. Since then, I have been trying to give people who talk to me sincere attention. This doesn't always work out, and I still find myself wanting to run away, but most of the time, the conversations make sense, and people seem to like me more.