God Gave Us Two Ears

God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Why do people have an incessant need to tell me about themselves. There is a big difference between having a conversation and being a validation board for people. I like most everyone, I like to talk to most everyone but I don't want to nor do I need to hear about the most insignificant parts of peoples lives. I really just don't care. This mostly happens at work where since I make my living as a potter, no one thinks what I do is really work. Since I am not really working, it is OK to sit next to me and tell me what you think is important. It's not even what you think is important, you think I really care about your running verbiage and I don't. I care about you as a person, but you don't respect the fact that I am working and I would like to focus on that, I do not want to hear about your past or present lives. There is a time and place for this, it's called "after work" or it's called "writing a blog"! What makes it so hard for me is that when one person spills their stories to me for thirty minutes and screws up that part of the day, after they leave another slips right into their place. I don't care what you saw on television last night or who you slept with or what planet you would like to visit or how to cook bratwurst on the grill or especially any kind of gossip. I AM TRYNG TO WORK. No, just because I demo for the public all the time does not mean I don't want to focus on my work without talking to you. I don't wish to be mean to anyone nor do I not like you anymore, I really cannot sustain this barrage of chit chat anymore in my life. I have x amount of years left in my life and those are reserved for my work and my family. I would love to talk to you after work or at a social gathering or hell, just e-mail me, but please speak to me with your head and not your mouth. I don't need to have the silence in the room broken for the sake of my supposed amusement.

Now, if anyone I know reads this and is offended and wishes not to have me for a friend anymore, then you just didn't hear what I said and I'm sorry you feel this way. I don't come to your workplace and sit next to you while you are trying to work and talk. I will accord you the respect you accord me. I have a great many wonderful people in my life and for the most part, I like them/you but I can't sustain this interruption of my space anymore. If you don't accept this, then I really don't want you for my friend. I'm sure you can find a substitute for me quite easily. Please excuse this mornings rant for anyone living afar. It will become more clear as you get to know me. Oh, and by the way, the picture of my son Cale has nothing to do with this blog today, I just like the picture. He is so much my son! Peace