Do you like to talk to people, or talk 'about' stuff, or both?

[idgiehkt]

I just realized this...I mostly respond to threads about a topic, but I alot of times don't respond to threads where people are just talking because I usually don't know what to say, or feel stupid or like I'm gushing, or just repeating what everyone else has said and they won't notice anyway. (I'm speaking of milestones posts, appreciation threads etc). Some people are good at both. I've noticed some people are very good at conversing but I don't often see them giving their opinions on issues, which is a bummer because I really like hear how people feel about issues.

I'm not making this a poll because I don't want people to vote and run. I've just noticed this division, that some of the most outgoing people in the lounge, who post the most threads and are the most charming, don't often share their opinions about things/issues/ whatever. I don't know if it's a pattern or a coincidence. I'm an 'opiner', it's in my genetic makeup, but I'm trying to force myself to be more of a presence on 'conversing' threads too.

What say you?

[last_texas_dem]

1. I am the same way you are

In fact, I think it's cool that you posted about this because I've had pretty much the exact thoughts on this subject that you've had. If I post, it's generally to threads asking a question or on threads discussing a subject I have a particular interest in or feel like I have particular knowledge about. I rarely post in the "talking" threads for the same reasons that you mention; I often feel like I don't really have anything to say that hasn't already been said better by someone else, or I feel awkward saying something that might seem too personal to someone I don't know that well. Occasionally I do post in these threads but not very often. I've always just figured my feeling uncomfortable with posting much in those sorts of threads just mirrors how I am in real life; I'm miserable at making small talk but can talk someone's ear off if they ask me a question or for my opinion on a subject I feel like I have something worthwhile to say about. I think it may be that way for a lot of people; the way we post on DU mirrors, to some extent, our demeanor in real life.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. I do both. I really like people...and getting to know them.

I like being supportive, I am a smotherer. I would annoy most of you IRL. Truly, I would. Most times I find, when I give my opinion on a "hot topic" I am "taken" the wrong way. Many times I whitewash my opinion. I usually give people the benefit of the doubt (with the exception of one or two..well really, just one) because the computer and the internets are a shield, giving people the safety to be a bit more...shall we say...intense than they would be IRL. :hi: :toast:

[Guava Jelly]

3. I guess I am guilty of being

talk to people
but you know that :):hi:
Let me see I am not a Vegan but i respect them for believing in something so much that they actually change their lives for it.
I am not Gay but I have gay friends Whom i believe should have all the same rights as heterosexuals specially marry (why shouldn't gays have the right to ruin their lives also by getting hitched lol)
I don't own any guns But i have no problem with gun owners or collectors
I am an atheist But don't have a problem with true christians , Muslims, buddhist etc
thats a few for starters

[datasuspect]

4. i'm more like you . . .

i like the way you proposed this in a mature, non-inflammatory way.

i don't think i would have been as generous.

[NewWaveChick1981]

5. I don't know how it happened, but I can do both reasonably well.

:) When it comes to people, I could talk to them all day long. :bounce: When offering my opinion, I'm always a diplomat (or so I've been told) and find the best way to get my point across without inflaming other people. They may not like my opinion, but it's there. :)

[bluethruandthru]

6. I think a lot of regular Loungers are pretty

non-confrontational (with a few exceptions!)..and that's why the Lounge is more comfortable for them. We all know how GD can get a bit tense sometimes.
I visit lots of forums but I always come back to the Lounge for a little fun and lighthearted banter!