870 Quotes About Conversation

Silence is such a lost art. Not every bait requires a response, and not every situation requires a status update.

So they left the subject and played croquet, which is a very good game for people who are annoyed with one another, giving many opportunities for venting rancor.

We humans always seem to take a manipulative posture. No matter what the particulars of the situation, or the subject matter, we prepare ourselves to say whatever we want in order to prevail in the conversation. Each of us seeks to find some way to control and thus to remain on top in the encounter. If we are successful, or our viewpoint prevails, then rather than feel weak, we receive a psychological boost.

I want love, passion, honesty, and companionship... sex that drives me crazy and conversation that drives me sane.

([Robin Dunbar] also found the optimal laughter group size is three people. For a conversation, the number is four.)

If not for sports, I do not think my father would have ever talked to me.

...insisting that you control the topic of behavioral conversation ensures accountability by students...

I don't know what he means by that, but I nod and smile at him. You'd be surprised at how far that response can get you in a conversation where you are completely confused.

Whenever we make one thing the central cause of a problem or the singular solution to that problem, the stakes are always too high to allow honest conversation or vulnerable reflection.