Starting a conversation has never in a skill I possessed. I get all nervous and clammy, then idiotic words flow from my mouth.
Just the other day I was at the grocery store buying some ice cream and some feminine products(the joys of being a girl). As the cashier was ringing up my purchases she said, “oh my gosh I love these”. Since ‘these’ is the plural term, obviously I figured she was talking about the hygiene products. Me being a genius and all, I simply responded “I know they absorb really well”. Before the words were finished flowing out off my tongue I quickly wanted to snatch them back into my mouth.
If I was pale, my face would have been red. Actually I think my face was red. Awkwardness can’t even describe what just happened. I think she was going to tell me she was actually talking about the ice cream but I was way too uncomfortable to continue the conversation. I quickly paid and scurried the heck out of there, wishing the last minute and a half had never taken place.
After that embarrassing conversation I thought it might be a wise idea to read the book I bought from Half Price Books about a month ago. It’s called How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. Originally I bought the book thinking this may be funny, plus it was only a dollar. Now I realize in my current situation this book is a God send.

According to the book there are three components to a conversation, body language, tone of voice and words. GREAT! Just my luck, considering I have so much trouble trying to find the right words to say, now I also have to worry about my tone and body language. Hmmmm, that seems like a lot of multi-tasking…
Seriously, I envy the people who can just randomly start a great conversation with anyone nearby. I mean, where did they learn this skill and how can I play catch up? Conversation skills are something that should to be taught in our schools. Hopefully, kids these days wont grow up to be mid 20 year-old’s trying to figure out the basics of a proper conversation.
I mean why do conversations have to be so complicated? That’s the questions of the year. Any ideas? Please share your thoughts below.