Humanity was happening around me, a comfortable buzz of noise as everyone enjoyed their overpriced coffee products. Sip.

It was quick, it was loud. Full of good cheer: “HEY BUDDY, HOW’S IT GOING? HOW ARE YOU DOING? LIFE GOOD? IS EVERYTHING GOOD?” A new conversation was starting up a few tables to my right. I smiled and thought; “there’s a happy dude thoroughly lacking in self-awareness.” My eyes ever left my laptop screen, but it was time for me to get back to work. Entertainment is over.

About 4 minutes later, salience returns to the background buzz. It was quick, it was loud. Full of fake cheer: “HEY BUDDY, HOW’S IT GOING? HOW ARE YOU DOING? LIFE GOOD? IS EVERYTHING GOOD?” I now look to the ground, I begin to think, Are you kidding me? Did he not hear the other guy answer the first time you asked? I DID! Ok. Back to work. Move along people, nothing to see here. Kindly ignore this train wreck.

I’m not lying, it came a third time. It was quick, it was loud. Full of feigned interest: “HEY BUDDY, HOW’S IT GOING? HOW ARE YOU DOING? LIFE GOOD? IS EVERYTHING GOOD?” I look up and over, as my head was turning, I think: Maybe they are practicing lines for a play or something.

NOPE. The happy unaware dude was looking at a computer while “talking” to the guy across from him. It was a disaster. I was outraged. And that’s not an overstatement.

Don’t talk just to make conversation. Don’t settle for words that work. Talk to make a difference, talk about things that matter. Listen well, don’t think about what you’re going to say. This world has too many superficial interactions and exchanges and transactions. Instead: make an investment. Spend generously your attention.

Caring is more powerful than appearing to care ‘cause no body’s ever fooled.

I want to interrupt my conversations, and talk to make a difference rather than to make conversation.

+mattmcgill