I couldn't help overhearing....

Yes, I listen to other people's conversations. Is that so wrong? Sure most people consider it to be rude, or really invasive but that describes most the people who read this blog. (I'm kidding, if anyone is actually reading this.)

Eavesdropping is fun! When I listen to a perfect stranger's conversation I make a little game out of seeing how quickly I can figure out what they are talking about and what the back story is. One time I was out to eat when a guy walked in with his new wife and his kids. While they were eating he got a call from his ex-wife and proceeded to have a 20-30 minute conversation with her (even telling her about he and the new wifey's honeymoon trip). I could see the new wife getting more and more annoyed so I stuck around a little while after I finished eating to see what she would say. Finally he could see the new wifey was upset, so he got off the phone with old wifey (who plainly wasn't through with the conversation). I would like to be able to tell you what happened next, but they had finished eating at that point and left. Sometimes people are so inconsiderate!

Aside from the entertainment value there are other benefits to eavesdropping. For one thing, it will help you develop an acute sense of hearing. It can also help you develop strong deductive logic skills, soon you will be Sherlock Holmes-ing other people's conversations. Lastly, it keeps you abreast of current events, if it weren't for the fact that I overhear it might never hear any of the good gossip.

Now at this juncture I think I should point out that I do have one rule for listening to other people's conversations. It's this: Do not eavesdrop on the conversations of people you know. That would border on spying on your friends - which is creepy. Also, as we learn from Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing, no good comes from hearing that which your friends did not intend for your ears.

There is no shame in eavesdropping, but I do advise you to be careful not to get caught. There is nothing quite as awkward as having to explain to someone why you were listening their "private" conversation.

 It's like, if whatever you are talking about is soooo private maybe you should find a less public location to conduct your conversation. If you are talking in my area, loud enough for me to hear you, then I consider that an invitation to listen!

Well that's it for today everyone, please leave a comment if you have an opinion about eavesdropping or if you have a suggestion for my next post! Until then, I'll be listening.....