A Moment Of Connection At The Christmas Table
She slunk into our yearly Christmas gatherings with head bowed and shoulders hunched, as though she was trying her best not to occupy the space around her.
It almost felt like she was apologizing to the space around her for her existence. To say she was painfully awkward would be an understatement.
For years, I never knew how to start a conversation with my cousin.
Love life? Nah, too personal. How are you? Nope, too generic and open-ended.
The minutes ticked by as my mind whirred as possibilities, each feeling as empty as the one before.
Finally, I settled on “Are you still working with the Japanese firm?”. Not the most innovative of topics.
“I’m looking for a new job”, she quietly said.
Oh?
What followed were the most I’ve ever heard her talk in years.
I learned she was in graphic design working in events. She disliked her boss. She wanted a new environment.
We ended our conversation with a LinkedIn connection. Was it too business-like?
Maybe.
But by listening and offering thoughtful, non-judgemental responses, I found out more about her than she’s divulged to anyone in years.
Small victories.
