"Talk Is Cheap"

Up until I was seven or eight years old I couldn't speak plainly. It was like I had my own language and the only person who could really understand me was my brother. My mother and father got some of the words and most of the intent, but he alone knew my language. It was a very restrictive way to live. If I wanted to have a conversation it was him or, well no one.

Then for some unknown reason my speech and diction improved. I entered the world of clear speakers and with it came the freedom to talk with any and every one. I could communicate and it was wonderful. I wondered how I had ever lived without having actual conversations with the world. And I have been trying to make up for lost time talking ever since.

I love to talk. I really do. I could talk for hours, days, weeks and years. I like listening to people and I think that makes for a good conversationalist. I like hearing what people are interested in, what they have done with their lives, what they hope to do in the future. I never tire of talking and I do a lot of it. 

My wife is also a good conversationalist, but we talk in different ways. I talk in statements, which means I have a point usually to make and I get there. My wife talks in details. Example, if you ask me about a movie I give you the high points. If you ask my wife about a movie she gives you the film from start to finish. It is a gift. When I miss a TV show and she has happened to see it, I just ask her about it and then sit back and listen. She can even quote dialogue.

When I go to visit friends I like to sit around and talk. Lots of people have the TV going and talk over it. In my book that is a no no. If I am going to watch TV then I will watch TV. If I am going to talk, the TV doesn't need to be on. Plus I can watch TV at home. I can't have an extended conversation with my friends at home.

My wife and I have been married for a good number of years. I think one of the secrets of our success is we love to talk - to each other. We always have. From the earliest days of our marriage we have talked to each other about our jobs, our relatives, our dreams, and our kids.. You name it, we talk about it.

One of the old sayings is that "talk is cheap." Of course that is supposed to be a negative statement. Still I think of it as a positive. Talk is cheap; heck it is absolutely free. Thank goodness for that. If I had to pay to talk I would have been living in the poorhouse for many, many years now.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!