Small Talk

122 . the fine art of small talk
ing nearby had on the same ‘outfit’ that she was wearing.
As the woman approached, Cathy struck up a conversation.
Cathy commented on how they were wearing the
same gown (actually, the outfits were similar but not exactly
the same). Anyway, Cathy then asked this woman,
whom she had just met, where she bought her outfit.
The woman told her the name of a well-known, expensive
store. I could not believe the next words out of
Cathy’s mouth. ‘Oh, I got mine at a thrift shop for fifteen
dollars!’ ”
A particularly troublesome spot for women is talking
about their kids. Sometimes I have to fight myself to
keep from jumping in and telling my own kid tales when
another woman is telling a story about hers. Instead of
enjoying the story she is sharing, I can get sidetracked,
because her story reminds me of something similar that
my kids did at that age. I get so excited that I just want
to jump right in there because I’m exhilarated by the
conversation. This is not a stalled conversation—this is
one in which everyone wants the ball! However, it’s very
deflating to the person telling the original story. Her
story is the one that got the group so enthusiastic. It’s
important to acknowledge that and to enjoy such a great