Quote:
Originally Posted by lawyerdad 
That's my take, although I might say "manipulated" rather than "exploited". You're basically signaling to the other person that your expression of interest in them might be more about networking than genuine interest.
My sugggestion would be to really try to bridge that gap. Get yourself in the habit of engaging with, and finding the interesting things about, other people. If you're naturally reserved, this may take some practice -- but it's kind of a muscle memory thing. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.
My sugggestion would be to really try to bridge that gap. Get yourself in the habit of engaging with, and finding the interesting things about, other people. If you're naturally reserved, this may take some practice -- but it's kind of a muscle memory thing. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire
Manipulated is a good word for it. And LD is exactly correct about what you're broadcasting. People want to think you're talking to them because you want to talk to them, not because talking to them is a means to your (personal and hidden) end.
Good points. A good example we've all been through: recall meeting obvious salesmen who were too eager to shake your hand, and whose smiles and platitudes were so saccharin that they hurt, and who were so goddamned pleased to meet you despite having no idea who you were. Don't be that guy.
