Before you read this, just know it’s 741 words long and I am not sorry about it (it just proves my point). I have been called many things, but quiet is not one of them. It is said that the average person speaks about 16,000 words a day, although I would confidently guess I exceed that limit with ease.
As soon as I meet someone new, I want to know everything about them. Not in a creepy stalker way, but in a ‘let’s get to know each other because why not kind of way.’ I never have a problem filling a silence and rarely in a silent room by choice. There is just something so engaging about talking. As I see it, there are endless possibilities for a conversation to take you. You can learn new things about something or someone, which is also a great tool for self-reflection. I often find myself telling stories and getting major second-hand embarrassment from something I did. But my irrational decision-making could write a whole other column.
Though arguably annoying, my chronic need to talk has gotten me far. Growing up, I was always teased by my family members for never shutting up. This obviously hurt my feelings, as it would to most young, impressionable kids, but it never stopped me (points to me for confidence). With no cousins to hang out with at family functions, I found myself constantly surrounded by adults. I always enjoyed chatting with them, mostly about my own interests, to fill the time of all the boring events. Holidays and reunions were hard to get through when there were no other kids to play with.
I am really good at talking to adults, though I guess I almost am one. I have also found that it made it easier to get and “be good at” my jobs. When I worked at a restaurant, I was practically paid to talk to people. The exciting part about working with the public is that they tend to overshare. As a hostess at Texas Roadhouse, I was told stories about people’s personal lives that I did not find appropriate. You would be surprised at what people will tell a 16-year-old girl just trying to make it through a minimum-wage shift.
Nevertheless, I was always able to make small talk at the very least, which in my opinion is common courtesy. I don’t think It ever stopped me if they did not respond; I just started talking at them. “Welcome to Texas Roadhouse, where we are known for our hand cut steaks, made from scratch sides, and fresh baked bread!” Other times, I conversed with people waiting near the host stand for the whole duration of their two-hour wait. I can not judge the public for oversharing, though, because I am just as guilty. If I am talking to someone for more than ten minutes, there is a genuine possibility that I will share some information they do not need or care to know. I guess you could say I am an open book.
After high school I want to get a 7-12 education degree. I think that this is the perfect fit for me, and no I am not stuck in high school. It’s a profession that is literally based on talking and relaying information. But for the past few weeks, I have struggled to choose exactly what I want, like most seniors do. I cannot imagine myself teaching a grade of kids too young to have meaningful conversations with. I hope that does not come off the wrong way, but I would rather be there for kids like my high school teachers have been there for me. We all have that go-to teacher when we are going through something or need to be heard. I know I do. They have truly inspired my future. I want to make a difference in a kid’s life like some of my teachers have been in mine.
Maybe I talk too much, but It is what makes me me. I think my chatting is what has gotten me to where I am today. I have earned leadership positions and jobs by being well spoken. And more importantly, I believe I have figured out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Thank you to all the people who listen to me every day without judgment. And no, I will not stop talking.