Time to Talk ... or Not

This evening, just before I was about to set out and enjoy the sun that had broken through the fantastic rain clouds, I received this in an email from CA.  Subject: the new car

His words were simple, "when are you coming for a ride?" Well, as much as I'm loving life, I am sure a drive down PCH in this with one of my favorite conversationalists would enhance that love.

Speaking of conversationalists, yes, that was my smooth transition, I love when I find a match.  Meaning someone I can sit with, whether that be at the beach or in a restaurant or on the couch or even in the car, for hours on end discussing everything and anything with.  We'll hit politics, religion, families, sports, dreams, hopes and aspirations.  No desire comes while speaking with match to check the clock to see if enough time has passed to leave the conversation without being rude.  No desire comes while speaking with match to check the phone to see if a call 'must be returned' or a text has come in to conveniently pull me away.  No desire comes while speaking with match to yawn and give the rather obvious hint that my desire to continue conversation died over an hour ago.  I can be passionate about my passions.  I can be frustrated about my frustrations.  I can laugh as I am laughed at.  And midst all of this I get to listen and understand match's point of views, hear the take from another's eyes.  It's a give and a take that I love.  Conversations, by definition (Merriam-Webster), is an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas.  I may not be to hip with sharing sentiments outside of Hallmark but the rest ... well, I firmly believe in CONVERSATION.  Texting, well ... it's texting.  Emailing is good when I'm in a meeting.  But a good, face to face conversation where there is a give and take, an understanding and acknowledgment ... well, I love it and I love those that I have matched with to create a great conversation.

I have also found that it is with these matches that silence is accepted, even welcomed.  When I take a minute, perhaps two or ten, to process things and sort through my thoughts, I'm not speaking aloud.  And often people are uncomfortable with this silence.  Not a match, no. A match will get lost in his/her own thoughts or simply be patient with me as I find my words.  I firmly believe that quality conversations will have moments of silence, allowing for both participants to put things into place and come back with further thoughts or greater understanding.  Silence does not need to be broken, more often than not it is in the silence that what is broken is healed.

So, let's chat in that new car or on the streets of DC or the subway in NY or the parking lot.  I've got a whole lot on my mind ~ which should not surprise any of you!