"ME"

Several years ago I read this quote: "People wrapped up in themselves make very small packages."  I love that because we all know some small packages.  Actually, all of us are small packages from time to time.  Well, I take that back.  My sister-in-law, Vickie, I don't think has ever had a moment where her life was all about her.  She is quite exceptional, and the subject for another day, perhaps.

Recently, I had a phone conversation with someone who is known for being self-interested.  I called her.  She asked how the weekend went at the yard sale, and if I bought anything. 

And, I quote...me:  "Yes, I got some ice tea spoons and..." 

her: "Oh, great.  Where did y'all go?" 

me:  "Well, we drove to Jamestown and worked our way south.  We spent the night in...." 

her: "Oh, great.  Well, now what can I tell you about what I've been doing?  I went to the funeral home yesterday and saw (interject names of people I have never met nor will ever meet)....." 

It was about this time that I started playing Free Cell as I "listened" and inserted what I hoped was a well-placed "oh, really, that's nice," here and there.  She told me that she had been thinking of us and wondering about our weekend. My cynical side questioned (silently) if her phone could no longer dial out. 

Call me crazy, but I don't think she was particularly interested in my weekend.  I think she wanted to be interested, but she cannot fight her way out of that small package.  I'll give her this, she never disappoints.  I am a great prognosticator of how a conversation, nay, a monologue, will go with her.  It's who she is. I must love her anyway.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who says, "right, right, right, right, right."  Good grief.  They might as well be saying, "I don't care, I don't care, I don't care, " or "you are boring me, you are boring me, you are boring me." 

I'll admit, I've caused many a glazed-over expression as I chatter on in my "what now" fog.  Fortunately, the good Lord has blessed me with children who will say, "Mom, get to the point, or Mom, the cashier does not care why you bought 3 oranges, razors, and a bag of chips."  I encourage them to tell me when I am doing that sort of thing.  Sometimes, I get so caught up in what I am certain is a riveting story that I don't quite pick up on the expression of the poor sufferer on the other side.  I do not want to prattle on and confirm that I'm getting up in years. 

Oh, and as an aside...not everyone appreciates the question, "is it really germane to the story?"  I learned that the hard way. 

blessings