It
Have you ever noticed that no matter what you
say about any subject, the person you’re talking to knows everything about it
plus everything you were going to say? In other words, everyone has become a
know-it-all. It becomes exhausting to have a conversation because you have to
dig down deep into your intellectual files to be able to say something that
someone will acknowledge by saying: ‘‘Isn’t that interesting!’’
It used to be so simple. Well-meaning relatives would give you advice about the
baby formula you were using or pass on advice about how holding the baby too
much would make her want to be held all the time. Parents used dinners as
forums for discussing table manners.-’’
Grandparents gave guidance on frugality and simplicity. You always listened quietly and respectfully, even if you had heard it a thousand times. You just rolled your eyes, but you never let on that you had heard it before.
How far we’ve come. If you discuss formula or holding Junior, the talk must include perspectives on the latest, greatest psychological theories on child rearing. No relative stands a chance in the presence of parents who have studied every angle of parenting, even the writings of ancient scholars. Conversations about manners at the dinner table have been replaced by discussions on how to be successful in the classroom and on the field. Most kids today are in some activity, and that precludes being aware of your jaw hanging open and filled with food while you eat. Frugality and simplicity have been replaced by a plethora of books on how to manage your finances, or how to empty your closets of stuff you didn’t need anyway.
Most fascinating are the people who go on radio or TV and talk as if they know more about a subject than the so-called experts who have spent a lifetime studying it. Movie and rock stars have become experts in child rearing, depression, substance abuse and parenting. They spew forth mundane concepts that make the host act as if he had just witnessed a miracle, and add the usual: ‘‘I know, I know.’’
Sometimes I want to scream at the TV like a maniac. ‘‘If you know so much, why have anyone on as a guest? Just ask yourself questions and answer them.’’
It’s great to be informed, but most of what we get today are sound bites of information. It might behoove all of us to listen more. We might even want to say something like, ‘‘Tell me more, I’d really like to explore this topic...’’ It could end up making our conversations richer and more meaningful instead of a boxing match for know-it-alls.
Author, humorist, PBS star and Fortune 500 trainer Loretta LaRoche lives in Plymouth. To share your pet peeves, questions or comments, write to The Humor Potential, 50 Court St., Plymouth 02360, send e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit the Web site at www.stressed.com, or call toll-free 800-99-TADAH (82324).
Grandparents gave guidance on frugality and simplicity. You always listened quietly and respectfully, even if you had heard it a thousand times. You just rolled your eyes, but you never let on that you had heard it before.
How far we’ve come. If you discuss formula or holding Junior, the talk must include perspectives on the latest, greatest psychological theories on child rearing. No relative stands a chance in the presence of parents who have studied every angle of parenting, even the writings of ancient scholars. Conversations about manners at the dinner table have been replaced by discussions on how to be successful in the classroom and on the field. Most kids today are in some activity, and that precludes being aware of your jaw hanging open and filled with food while you eat. Frugality and simplicity have been replaced by a plethora of books on how to manage your finances, or how to empty your closets of stuff you didn’t need anyway.
Most fascinating are the people who go on radio or TV and talk as if they know more about a subject than the so-called experts who have spent a lifetime studying it. Movie and rock stars have become experts in child rearing, depression, substance abuse and parenting. They spew forth mundane concepts that make the host act as if he had just witnessed a miracle, and add the usual: ‘‘I know, I know.’’
Sometimes I want to scream at the TV like a maniac. ‘‘If you know so much, why have anyone on as a guest? Just ask yourself questions and answer them.’’
It’s great to be informed, but most of what we get today are sound bites of information. It might behoove all of us to listen more. We might even want to say something like, ‘‘Tell me more, I’d really like to explore this topic...’’ It could end up making our conversations richer and more meaningful instead of a boxing match for know-it-alls.
Author, humorist, PBS star and Fortune 500 trainer Loretta LaRoche lives in Plymouth. To share your pet peeves, questions or comments, write to The Humor Potential, 50 Court St., Plymouth 02360, send e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit the Web site at www.stressed.com, or call toll-free 800-99-TADAH (82324).
Copyright 2006 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Monday, October 09, 2006
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