BACK IN THE USSR

Phew! Exams are over and I've just spent the last two weeks at home and in various places playing LARP. This lifestyle will probably continue until I manage to find a summer job. (Not that I'm trying too hard of course :) ).

Now is the time for conviction about the projects I wish to do over the summer. I've just finished writing a short play which me and some mates intend to perform at Summerfest (a LARP festival in August) which no doubt will be very scary.

I need to keep writing, but that involves having a computer, which of course I don't have (hence the sporadic posting on this blog).

Listening seems to have been the most recent moral topic I've written about so I'll make some more remarks on it. What troubles me is listening to people when you don't agree with them, their conversation seems to be just a string of anecdotes about how great they are or you don't really want to talk to them (as I experienced the other night when I was left alone with me ex-girlfriend). Now, don't get the idea that I don't like these people because I do (my ex less perhaps) and don't get the idea that this is everyone I know because it's not. But what can I say to these people?

If I don't agree I normally just smile and nod as if I've taken in what they say. Often I chalk this up to the fact that they probably know more about what they just said than I do. But when I smile and nod I feel like I'm being false. I should say what I think and create a discussion I suppose but some people are so strong in their convictions I get scared.

What troubles me at the moment is the people who are constantly 'bigging themselves up'. This happens a lot around LARPers of a certain type. I like to tell stories about LARP that entertain or make them in awe of the fantasy world. I like to tell stories of companionship, the heroics of others (being a coward I have few stories of my own heroism (But I have a few)). But these people like to tell stories of their exploits. Nothing wrong with that you may think but these stories seem to only emphasise how great they are, how powerful they are or will be and how the villains will pay when they are. (This isn't just restricted to LARP however, I've expereinced this with other people as well). I don't to make them feel superior and wonderful but I also don't want to make them feel that I'm not happy for them when they achieve their goals. We all like to succeed.

But, as ever, what is the solution?

Obviously I can't stop people saying what they want, but I think I can be more receptive to what they say. I should speak my mind but be careful in the way I phrase my opinions so as not to hurt the person whose view may be contrary to me own. There is obviously a reason for why people praise themselves for LARP or other stuff. They probably just want recognistion. Still thinking of a way to congratulate them without them slipping into arrogance (how hypocritical, as if my opinion matters that much!). As to people who I don't really want to talk to, I don't see that I can do much more than try and be as polite as appropriate to the situation.

Take care and no doubt if I haven't seen you recently I'll see you soon!

Peat.