Dialogue 1
last updated: 29/7/25 | created: 29/7/25
A
Hey.
B
Hey.
A
I’ve been feeling really down lately.
B
Noo, how come?
A
I don’t know. I just find it really hard to connect with others.
B
Okay. Easy fix. Talk.
A
Talk?
B
Yeah, talk. Get out there. Engage with others. Talk, actually talk. It’s okay if you fail, just try. The longer you keep on going the better your social skills will become.
B
Eventually, you’ll feel like connecting with others will become a breeze.
A
Are you sure? You’re just saying that with time I will evolve.
B
Yes? That’s true for most other skills, right? With patience, you become better.
A
True, but what if I’m not motivated enough to change? Wouldn’t I just stagnate?
B
Duh. But, if you really wanted to change, you would march through the challenge.
A
What kind of mentality do you think I have? That’s literally not going to happen. The moment something becomes too hard or too scary, I stop. I have that problem with most other things.
B
I never said you needed to start big. Small wins like making yourself slightly uncomfortable with things like initiating small talk is enough. The buildup is what’s important, not necessarily the mentality.
A
‘Not necessarily the mentality’?
B
I said that you become better with patience, didn't I? A large flight of stairs becomes easier to walk up if you have better stamina.
A
So when I become comfortable enough to the point where I can easily engage in small talk with other people I should just force myself into a group conversation because I ‘have better stamina’?
B
I think I’m either being too unclear or you’re misinterpreting what I’m trying to say. Start small, go slightly bigger, then slightly bigger than that, and so forth.
B
When you look back at all the progress you’ve made compared to when you started, you’ll realize you’re capable of things you otherwise wouldn’t dare of ever doing.
A
But what if I get stuck at a step? Or at the first step?
B
Just.. I don’t know man. Build up courage. And, hey, you’re maintaining a conversation with me. That’s got to count for something, right?
A
Yeah, but you’re a friend. I can connect with a friend. Not a stranger.
B
I feel like we’re not getting anywhere. If you’re questioning everything I’ll say, then what’s the point in trying to help you?
A
Fine. Okay. I’ll ‘build up courage’. But it would help if you could put yourself in my shoes instead of assuming I’m like you.
B
I’m not a professional, dude. I’m just trying to help you with what I know and what I think.