Listen Up!

So, Sweet Tarts has me convinced of something: I have opinions that need to "simma down now".

My family knows this. Classmates (especially in my history, English, and writing classes) knew this. Fellow actors and theater classmates know this. Everyone I watch TV with and go to the movies with knows this. Friends, co-workers, and bar strangers know this.

The movie Big Fish taught us it's rude to discuss politics or religion with anyone, unless THEY bring it up and want your remarks. I decided to follow that rule. Everything else I considered fair game. The moment a subject is brought up, I feel the need to inject my two cents - whether it's about movies, traffic laws, books, Facebook pictures, poetry, TV shows, singers, clothes, whatever. I have to say something. And I like surrounding myself with quick-witted, intelligent people who argue back.

Sweet Tarts had enough of it the other night and decided to demonstrate to me that listening was key, even if my opinion was right. She observed that I have mostly been hearing other remarks and opinions but not absorbing it. That is, not listening.

Did she touch on the reason I can't get along with everybody? Have I been alienating myself acting like this?

This is what I'm going to do. I'm going to try an experiment to see how different things are if I don't opine. People may not care; in fact, I expect most people not to care. However, I am interested to see how I am treated if I keep my mouth shut. That's all.

So, starting right now, February 27, I vow to not speak my opinion of any subject unless otherwise asked to by someone. And even then, I'll keep it pithy. I vow to do this for the rest of the year.

It's going to be hard for me. I'm going to hear comments I blatantly disagree with and have a fear someone's free speech will influence me (by me not saying something back). But I think my listening skills will improve. And then perhaps I'll empathize better and grow up a little more.