hasunoha

Other people can't talk to me

I've always been worried about not being able to expand my conversation with my partner.

They are people who can't stand silence, so they often talk from me, but the conversation doesn't continue at all. I'm careful about my facial expressions and tone, and I think I'm talking to various people about various topics, but I feel that my partner rarely talks to me. Of course, there are times when people talk to me about work matters, but they don't ask me personal things like small talk.

If you think about it, from a long time ago, people at school or at my previous workplace even invited me to “meet up” or “let's have a meal,” etc., but the other person rarely said it, my side also tended to hold back, and there were many cases where relationships broke down.

I think it's my fault because I can't tell interesting stories, and I think there's nothing I can do about it because my personality doesn't match, and eventually I stop being actively involved and go out with others with a sense of distance. However, when it comes to the company, they are at an age called mid-level, and many young juniors come in, and I don't think they want to be seniors who shut up and find it hard to hear things.

Is there any room for me to improve? Or does it mean that there's nothing you can do about it anymore because it's innate? Please give us your feedback.

4 Zen Responses

There's nothing you can do about it.
Let's just give up and actively start talking to you.
While being careful not to ignore the other person's words and thoughts and cherish them.

People feel more familiar if they are kind rather than creating topics in conversation

You also care about all your surroundings, don't you think? Silence is also bothersome because you don't know what the other person is thinking.

However, silence is uncomfortable, and it is difficult to say that relationships are good if there is communication.
It's a situation where people keep talking even if they keep communicating repeatedly, even if the inside is tough when they care about each other, and silence is a space of kindness where you keep quiet. Nor can a sense of distance between you and your partner be measured by conversation alone.

I like people who dare to keep quiet, and I feel comfortable when I'm with them. On the other hand, if you just talk, you'll feel like you want to be alone, even though they seem to be good friends at first glance and get through that situation.

Wouldn't a two-word greeting be enough for a conversation at work in particular? It's better to be kind rather than creating topics in conversation, so people feel more familiar. “Are you okay? Thanks as always. Thank you for your support. You can feel the kindness of a casual voice like “thank you for your hard work,” and it makes it easier to talk to them in a friendly and casual way.  

The “connection” beyond silence

The sentence conveys a desperate feeling that “I want to connect with people, but it doesn't work no matter what.”
On the other hand, it also conveys that you are trying to deal with people very carefully.
That's why I want to tell you first. You already have “the power to care for people.”

1. It's not “not continuing conversation = bad relationships”
Conversation is like “breathing” rather than playing catch.
If either one of them tries too hard, the air becomes heavy.
The silence you feel is not because the other person “doesn't want to talk,”
Maybe it's time to feel safe searching for words.
Waiting softly without being afraid of that silence is also a great conversation.

2. “I can't talk to you” because you give you a “sense of security”
You may feel “maybe they don't like it” because there isn't much small talk.
But actually, because you're the type who is calm and doesn't greatly disturb your emotions,
There is a possibility that those around you feel safe and have placed “quiet trust” in you.
In other words, you are trusted as a “listener.”

3. “Put your mind” rather than expand the conversation
Rather than searching for topics
“I wonder if this person is a little tired today”
“My expression brightened up when I was talking about this.”
Try focusing your attention on observing the other person's air.
That small awareness becomes a natural expression of empathy.
For example, “It looks like you've been busy lately.” “You've said that before.”
One word like that becomes the spark that warms up the conversation.

4. Mid-level leeway to “accept silence”
What is the ideal senior for juniors
They are “people who listen without interrupting conversations” rather than people who are tongue-in-cheek.
Rather than being impatient and saying “I have to talk about something,”
A calm attitude of “I'm waiting for your words” creates trust.

5. Lastly
Buddhism explains that “the depth of meaning (heart)” connects people rather than the number of words.
You must not be afraid of silence and look straight ahead at the other person's presence.
That in itself is a richer “dialogue” than anything else.

Don't be afraid of silence and try to have serenity on your side.
In that silence, a true connection has blossomed.

Gassho

Relaxation, gaps, and interest in the other person are key 🔑

Thank you very much for your consultation, Mr. Gosho-san. They say they are worried about not being able to expand their conversation with their partner. There are many solutions. First, they say they can't stand the silence. I often think with my head when people don't speak with my partner right in front of me. However, if you are afraid of silence, tension and confusion will be conveyed to your partner. Let's get rid of tension first. The keyword nagekake is also a suggestion. I'm going to ask a question. Silence after throwing words that make the other person think. If that can be done, silence will change to a peaceful world instead of tension. Also, ah! There's silence! If you think about it, it's also a good idea to blur it a little bit, such as “Oh yeah, there was something I wanted to tell you... I forgot about it.”
Also, as for the content of the conversation, I recommend that you not praise them, but fully affirm the other person without praising them. “Even though it's always like ◯◯, today it's ◯◯, isn't it? I thought the usual one would be good, but this pattern is also kind of nice.”
“It's always wonderful here, so I want you to do this today.”
They casually interweave words of praise and affirmation into the conversation. Also, if you dare to ask questions even where you know them, the conversation will expand. “How was ◯◯, can you tell me since ◯◯ is good at it?” Wait... Also, it's about showing a gap where you can be thrust into people just by looking at it. If you look closely, you can try wearing a slightly cute tie, try wearing the color of a shirt you don't always wear, try changing your glasses, and even change your hairstyle. Please casually do something that people around you have to rush into and just spend your time. You can always call out. And usually, you don't have to smile. Spend your time with Archaic Smile. I really recommend this one. My juniors are watching as if they aren't watching. Also, I see Ogosho-san as someone who has a pretty kind personality. However, it is also true that if you are kind, you may seem unsure. Please keep your back straight and stay proud. And say hello, thank you, in a louder voice than ever before. When having a conversation, face the other person head-on and look them in the eye. Stop the hand that was moving and concentrate on the conversation.
I was wondering if there was room for improvement, but every day with such simple things gradually creates changes. I hope Mr. Ogosho-san, who is full of compassion, will become an increasingly wonderful boss. I pray for Ogosho-san's prosperity and health 🙏