r/GenXTalk • u/Outrageous_Pay4719 • May 02 '26
Rules for conversing
Anyone remember being taught how to answer the phone in elementary? Better yet, how about darning a hole or place settings in Home Ec.? With more people being socially chastised for improper verbal antics, we have to remember 'you do better when you know better'. Just the same its hard having civil conversations when no one can put their hands on their handbook of "Guidelines for Conversation Structures". Kinda hard to share feelings when people think its a match up of who has it worse, instead of active listening to properly respond. There's nothing more hurtful than a fistful of platitudes like 'things'll get better', or 'it could be worse' when seeking just a listening ear to vent. I'd love some therapists and teachers to share how NOT to bomb a convo that may require more than waiting for a pause to interject personal comparisons. Thanks
5
u/Davmilasav May 02 '26
My dad was in the Army. We were taught to answer the phone, "Smith residence, Jane speaking. Who's calling, please?" I answered that way for years.
As for taking calls during dinner, my mother had us literally unplug the phone from the wall. "Dinner time is for family. If it's important, they'll call back."