things you aren’t supposed to talk about
This post is inspired from an episode of This American Life – The Seven Things You Aren’t Supposed to Talk About. In the episode, one of the producer’s mother’s discusses her very specific list of things you shouldn’t talk about, including how you slept, your diet, the driving route you took to get somewhere, your period, etc. The show attempted to find stories relating to these topics that the mother would find interesting, to basically prove her wrong. Some she agreed were interesting while other stories confirmed her opinion that certain things are off limits.
This post is my list of things you aren’t “supposed” to talk about and my stance on these things. Do you agree/disagree?
Dreams
One of my good friends loves to share her dreams. She knows who she is. Hey, girl! Anyways. 9 times out of 10, the story of her dream is lame and we laugh about it. But sometimes I feel so compelled to share my dreams. Such as, the other day I dreamt that I was doing an AirBNB thing out of my house but I was home while my guest was there. My guest was an old man in his underwear and he was picking his toenails. So gross. So I was like “Hey do you want to use my toenail clippers?” As I knelt down to get them he came up behind me, said “Hey, what’s that?” and put a rag with cloroform over my mouth. I freaked out and woke myself up. WTF. So the point of this one is this – for the most part, your dreams are boring and no one wants to hear about them. But every once in awhile you might have an interesting one that won’t bore people. Choose carefully.
Diet
This was on the This American Life list and I have one specific opinion about diets. I have been a vegetarian for over 16 years and there is a high likelihood I will never un-vegetarian myself. Generally, I find this super uninteresting but when I meet people and they find out, some people freak out, like they can’t stop talking about it. I’m cool with general interest questions but I have been straight up harassed about this topic. “Don’t you just want to try this steak RIGHT NOW?” “Are you some kind of hippie?” “Your food looks like dog food – I could never eat that.” (Said to me by a former co-worker about a homemade veggie burger I was eating.) “You probably aren’t getting enough nutrients.” “Oh you’re one of those freaks.” Here’s the thing – I give zero shits what other people eat. I might be internally judging your daily McDonald’s habit or whatever, but I would never harass someone about their diet, especially an acquaintance. So yeah I just get annoyed by strangers telling me to just eat a damn hot dog. No.
Money
This is obviously a taboo subject. But we all want to know how much people spent on things. Sometimes. With family or closer friends sometimes this is an ok topic but usually it can be awkward. I usually don’t brag about things being expensive but instead love sharing a deal that I got (like this dress). I still don’t mind sharing these sorts of things with my good friends buuuut I probably shouldn’t tell strangers about my great deal and instead just say “thanks” if they compliment my bag. Even if I got it on super sale.
Spoilers
With everyone and the mother bingewatching everything, we basically can’t give out spoilers ever because eventually someone is going to get caught up with that show and hate you for ruining it.
Race
I’ve discussed how I’m a secret Asian – meaning that I am half-Korean but new people I meet don’t often know this. I apparently look “ethnic” but people aren’t sure what. So when people say racist things about Asians and I’m right there I always have that moment of “should I smile politely/awkwardly or tell this person off?” It’s an interesting balance. But I wouldn’t have this issue if people didn’t say racist/insensitive things regardless of their audience. Seems reasonable to me.
Pets
Before I was graced with the everlasting joy of being a dog mom, I thought people who talked incessantly about their pets were lame weirdos. Now I’m one of those weirdos. If you are too, choose your audience for gushing about how your pet did the cutest thing ever. Or just talk about them to everyone and spread the love.
That’s all I got for now though I’m sure I’ll think of more. What would be on your list and agree/disagree with me?
The post things you aren’t supposed to talk about appeared first on Jade & Oak.
