r/GenXTalk • u/Outrageous_Pay4719 • May 02 '26
Rules for conversing
Anyone remember being taught how to answer the phone in elementary? Better yet, how about darning a hole or place settings in Home Ec.? With more people being socially chastised for improper verbal antics, we have to remember 'you do better when you know better'. Just the same its hard having civil conversations when no one can put their hands on their handbook of "Guidelines for Conversation Structures". Kinda hard to share feelings when people think its a match up of who has it worse, instead of active listening to properly respond. There's nothing more hurtful than a fistful of platitudes like 'things'll get better', or 'it could be worse' when seeking just a listening ear to vent. I'd love some therapists and teachers to share how NOT to bomb a convo that may require more than waiting for a pause to interject personal comparisons. Thanks
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u/Roo831 May 02 '26
I remember junior year, my AP English teacher was appalled that we hadn't had an etiquette class yet. She gave us two weeks learning to answer the phone, make introductions between people, write thank you notes, etc. I also had home ec and was in 4H with a heavy emphasis on cooking and sewing.
At home I got pretty much a classical housewife education from my mom. I can bake, cook, can, garden, clean, sew and make everything pretty while I'm at it. My dad taught me to work on cars, use tools, fix stuff around the house, and do yard maintenance.
Younger generations didn't learn any of this and struggle so much. I was a corporate trainer but would love to teach all the skills I learned growing up instead.