It’s like pulling teeth…

I hear this comment a lot. From my mom. From my wife. And, the other day, from my business coach.

On some occasions, I have heard this comment after only one question has been asked.

I don’t think I’m less than forthcoming when it comes to most of the questions that I get asked. Sometimes, I don’t have a lot to say. Sometimes, I need more context.

Yet, there it is again.

Trying to get information out of you is like pulling teeth.

My business coach made the observation that, when she asks me a question, she can tell that I’m trying to determine what the “right” response will be before I answer. Sometimes that is absolutely the case. I don’t always know what the person asking me a question is looking for; rather than say the first thing that comes into my head, I consider the question, the person asking the question, and the conversation before making with the answer.

It’s like pulling teeth.

Another thing is that I’m really not that keen on small talk. I’m capable of it. I’m sure that a lot of what I do say contains plenty of filler that doesn’t add much to the conversation. But I don’t enjoy purposely making small talk.

Pulling teeth.

Yet, when I’m attempting to provide detail on whatever topic I’m talking about, I notice that some folks give me “come on, hurry up, out with it” looks—which pretty much kills any desire I have to continue speaking.

It’s like pulling teeth.

Other guys never say that to me. It’s always women who do. Not all women—but always women.

It’s like pulling teeth.

Well, then I don’t know what to tell you…

(May 29, 2012)