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Okay. This post really has nothing to do with my blog’s typical content, but it is simply a brief, funny thought. You are an introvert who detests small talk and must go to a social event. How to avoid small talk? Take a book to read. But not just any book. Take that academic, odd, or niche book you are reading. Thus you will be off to the side reading, and when someone comes over and asks what you are reading…
“What are you reading?”
“It is a historical book about the economics of forced labor in the gulags of 20th century Russia.”
“Oh” (person walks away)
“What are you reading?”
“A book that analyzes the theology of John Owen, a 17th century Puritan.”
“Oh” (person walks away)
But hey, there is a remote chance (perhaps very remote), that you’ll be approached by someone who has read the book or has interest in the topic, and you can get into a deeper conversation! Right?
Here are some past posts that could interest you:
About Introversion: Introverted Evangelism -and- The Introverts Strike Back
About books: Awkward book moments
I saw the title and knew I had to read this. Fellow introvert, detest-er of small talk, lover of books (though perhaps not of the same type of book). I don’t think that I’ve ever had anyone ask me about a book I’m reading in public. On rare occasions, I’ve had people (usually church folks) ask what books I’m reading and what I’d recommend. They’ve ALL balked at Crime and Punishment for some reason, even when I talked about the spiritual content. Sigh.
Sigh indeed. Oh – I don’t think I’ve had a stranger in public ask what I’m reading (once on an airplane though) but rather at other social things – Superbowl party, holiday party, etc – often a mix of people I know and do not know. Yes, I take a book. : )
Great party tip, Laura. I hope you are able to enjoy all parties as much as this introvert: Introverted Nihilists Really Know How To Party.
That’s great! : ) I missed that post so thanks for sharing it.
Ha! That’s a good tact…
I’m frequently in situations that require me, as an introvert, to act like an extrovert and set people at ease.
My usual ice breaker is, “So, how did you end up in Florida/Kyiv/Bahamas?” Works well in my contexts because there are few native Floridians and overseas I interact with a lot of expats.
It’s a little harder here in Bahamas… “My family has been here 7 generations…” is not uncommon. (Descended from pirates, loyalists, slaves, or freemen…)
I need to add “what are you reading?” to winnow te kindred spirits from the chaff.