Talk Therapy #2

Not being constrained by scientific methodology and other religions, I can dive straight in with a tentative typology of talk therapy. 

Firstly, we have the 'inconsequential banter' category, where participants talk about anything unnecessary, habitual or time wasting. Any subject will do, as long as laboured phrases, popular opinions and simplistic stereotypes abound. It is absolutely incredible how expert practitioners of this activity can keep conversations going for long periods of time without any deviation from the superficial. The weather, dogs' personalities and illness are current favourites.

However, when conversation finds itself in more formal environments (e.g. meetings and similar professional encounters) the ball game rapidly changes. Here, the tenor of conversation becomes much more combative, as speakers vie for authority, status and fame. Conflict rears up like a caged lion breaking free into a WI table top sale. All the intractable conditions of our frail humanity are thrown about the room as though words alone can control the various plagues of our times.

Lastly, somewhere between informal and formal types of talk therapy there lurks the the dark art of one-upmanship. In this case 'friendly' chats degenerate into mutual interrogations about the participants' families, jobs, houses and cars etc. Smiles remain fixed, but rapid calculations are being logged about the relative achievements of those concerned. Any body blows are blocked by private unspoken justifications. The winner is considered too lucky, over-qualified, prematurely aged, cocky or plug ugly. 

They may never meet again.

Or there could be a rematch.....