blah, blah, blah, do you care?, blah, blah, blah

It's holiday time---which means time to make the rounds, hit the parties, see many friends, and, of course, meet the other coworkers, friends, acquaintances of your host. Luckily, I know people at most of the parties we've attended, and can just throw myself into hour long conversations with people who I genuinely want to catch up with and hear how they are doing.

But, then, there is often the occasion where you are introduced to that one person you, "just have to meet!" because your host has "told so-and-so all about you!!". So, there you are, stuck in a conversation, hemming and hawing, trying to figure out what to say other than the not-so-brilliant "oh, yes, I've heard so much about you" small talk.

What gets me though (and, let's be honest, it is just a pet peeve of mine in general) are the constant-talkers, the one uppers, and the braggers. The one uppers: You have a story to tell--they have one that's EVEN BETTER! The constat talkers: They have a story to tell, and when you think they are done you try to tell a story or share a little about yourself, and they just keep on going telling a new story.. not even giving you a chance to talk, or much less asking you anything about yourself. As I walk away from these conversations, I wonder what opinion these people have formed of me, since they only really seem to be talking to themselves. The braggers: Everything they do and own is "fabulous" or a "must-try"--they don't care if what you've done is kinda cool, because they could do it better, and faster, and more fabulous than you could ever do it, so why bother?

And, another thing...is brevity. Please, when sharing a story with a stranger, be brief. I don't need details, I need the Cliff Notes version. I don't need the thesis and synopsis of your life, I just need the summary. Also, please only tell the story once. ONCE! Not multiple times. Gah.

But, to those of you whom I do know, I have no fear, and if I need you to cut it short, or if I've heard it, I'll tell you. But, if I don't know you, please, please....make it speedy, make it humble, and make it only a one time deal.