Question about a weird talk with my neighbor that's stuck with me

I was chatting with my neighbor, Mr. Jenkins, last Tuesday while getting the mail. He's retired and always has these random stories. Out of nowhere, he said, 'You know, I spent 40 years worrying what everyone at the office thought of my ideas. Now I realize half of them weren't even listening.' It wasn't some big speech, but it hit me hard. I've been overthinking every single comment in my team meetings for months, scared to sound dumb. But what if most people are just thinking about their own lunch? Has anyone else had a simple comment flip a switch in their head like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_carter1mo agoMost Upvoted

He probably worried more than half of them were listening (which is somehow worse).

phoenix291mo ago

The real fear is that the ones who weren't listening are the ones who will ask you to repeat the whole thing later.

susana661mo ago

My old boss used to sweat if even three people paid attention.