We’ve all been asked a question in various situations, call them “conversation starters” or possibly a genuine attempt by someone who is anxious to know you, to learn about what makes you tick! Frankly, there’s never just one question as each one answered opens the door to many others!
The very basic “interrogations” start with asking about the work that you do, if you like your job and was it something you wanted to do when you grew up. My response is usually a semi-hard “pass” which generates more questioning as the inevitable “why” barges into the conversation. Let’s face it, I doubt many of us still out in the workplace are planted in an ideal situation, for most, it’s a matter of survival, on many levels. Of course, this is all followed up by someone asking about retirement plans, if so, when and how you feel about it. At times, it’s difficult to help another understand the motivation to continue working and replying with any type of satisfactory response can be exhausting.
So, I politely smile and change the subject.
The banter then stumbles along, moving along to health issues, if there are any and how do you cope with them. Of course, before any response can be given in this exchange, one must hear about all the other individual is going through, has experienced or hopes they never will. It seems that no matter what illness or affliction one might share, the subject of death rolls in and questions about believing in an after-life, having regrets, last wishes and wanting to be remembered come flying at you.
Once again, I smile and hurriedly change the subject.
The conversational inquisition continues and questions about any important people in your life are asked, a somewhat lighter exchange where there’s a sharing of happiest moments, sad moments, regrets, funny stories and people who have greatly influenced you. Talk about lessons learned and proud moments, all combined into memories you would like to hold on to forever plus questions about how you wish to be remembered. What is most intriguing, and often asked, is if you could talk to a younger version of yourself, what would you say? This is reason to pause and think about all any of us wish could have been different and better, the mending of unresolved issues, fewer sad goodbyes, more kindness, understanding, and patience. With each day that we walk this earth, that “What if” thought tends to cross our minds in so much that we imagine and remember.
With that, I just smile, walk off and imagine talking to my thirteen-year old self. She understands me.
From the Writer’s Workshop: What question have people recently being constantly asking you?
