Dart wrote:
The problem is, though, that most other people just wouldn't want to discuss things that I want to discuss.
Then I imagine your solution would be to find those who DO want to discuss things. I'm sure many here wouldn't mind, in real life or not, discussing some of your interests.
I think you accepting the way things are is fantastic, but dont sell out the option OF friends. Society doesn't work well if we all kept to ourselves, so there IS a need. We arent completely self-sufficient.
I would love to discuss my topics but I know not everyone else wants to - likewise, I dont discuss what they want. Compromise? Listen to their conversations, let them listen to yours. People only want to ask me questions out of a favour, I feel, and I feel by not showing interest in them I'm giving no reason for them to do the same back.
for the record, I went to a Thanks Giving dinner with people I've never met. One couple brought their 15 year old son with them. He was big on animals, and I could tell by the way he spoke, he was deeply interested in his topic. I let him talk about animals, zoos, and other related interests he had. I let him talk for 20 minutes on it. He loved discussing it, and even though I wasn't deeply interested, I paid attention and learned a few things. Afterwards, a fellow from India and I discussed geography - Him and I truely were asking as many questions as we answered - He knew when he had spoken for a length, I respected that and paid him back by letting him speak after I felt like I had spoken at length.
I find true, good conversation involves equal participation from both parties - I know many do not respect that though - just an observation, personal