Many friends complain that dinner party conversation is equivalent to the seventh circle of hell. What is there to talk about with complete strangers? What if I'm stuck with someone boring/weird/psycho? How do I eat ribs without wearing sauce down my shirt and char in my teeth?
All of these, I say, are legitimate concerns.
However.
I also say: You need to dig that well deeper.
Every time I'm out of my comfort zone, I'm digging my well. Fiberglass up my nose and in my collar? Dig it; that attic needs to be insulated. Stuck on a sweaty airplane with a kid kicking my seat and the guy in front in full recline? Dig it; I don't make enough to fly first class.
At a dinner party with a dozen total strangers? Dig it. Sure it might be a few hours I just need to weather, but it also might be the forum for a life-long friendship/to meet the perfect mate for my best friend/for the "a ha!" moment that determines the next step in my career. Regardless, I can always use more practice at good table manners!
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