Small Talk

crimes and misdemeanors . 131
conversation. One cautionary note: It is very easy to become
the monopolizer in the presence of a poor sport. Exercise
restraint and keep tossing the ball back to the
other person. Offer information that will contribute to
the conversation, but don’t steal the show!
THE KNOW-IT-ALL
These nasty criminals will mow you down with arrogance
and condescension. They know everything, and
they tell you so. They just knew that the stock market
was going to take a dive or hit a high. In fact, they knew
that the election would be close, that the winter was going
to be brutal, et cetera. There is just no end to what
they know. Since they know that they are always right, they
see no point in soliciting other opinions. They cut them
down without compunction. In seconds they can silence
an entire group because no one wants to risk humiliation
at the hands of the know-it-all. Watch out for the person
who has absolutely no interest in anyone’s opinions but
his own.
Be careful if you flaunt your opinions. Make sure others
realize you are only offering your personal opinion
about what works for you. There is one simple question