So how have things been?

What a vague question, that is. Yet, one that has the potential to unlock a conversation full of life-sharing. Or not.

You see, I've recently learnt that we have the extraordinary ability to stifle a conversation, even when it is riddled with open-ended questions.

Case in point:
A: So how are you? How have things been?
B: Fine fine.. what about you?
A: Okay la.. so-so only. How's your job? Stress or not?
B: Like that lorr... you?
A: Okay only lor.. nothing much happening.

And there you have it - a conversation that's full of answers that don't say much at all!

We're so accustomed to this form of conversation, we don't realise that there's no transfer of information or sharing of lives, just a transfer of words and formalities.

I often do this myself too.

I guess you could say that it depends entirely on the depth of relationship between the 2 parties. Perhaps.

But I think most of the time - we're reluctant to share.

Are we really such private people that we refuse to share our life with friends?

But instead fuel conversations by talking about people other than yourselves?