Getting side tracked

I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I am a People Person.
I am interested in what someone has to say, listen politely if I’m not, and whilst not exactly the Ambassador of Tact, I supposed you could say I am pretty good at deflecting verbal encounters to keep the peace.
Some people may describe this as going off on a tangent, or class it as a fine balancing act.

But it all comes down to the person you’re with and the actual circumstances.

At parties or family get-togethers, unless I’ve been requested to piano plonk for the entertainment, I tend to sit on the side-lines and participate in the activities by people watching. I’m the sort of gal who’ll notice when Grannie’s glass or plate is empty, Uncle Johnny needs an ashtray for that horrendous inconsiderate cigar, if someone needs a tissue for a teary moment and can’t find one, or there’s a stack of washing up needing to be done in the kitchen.
I don’t miss much, but normally say little unless engaged in conversation myself, and I have the ears of a bat so don’t whisper behind my back!
I can usually hold my own in any conversation, but there are certain subjects I find difficult as I either don’t understand them, am out of my depth or I’m afraid, they bore me.
I have my opinions and beliefs, but don’t try to impose them on others, nor do I expect them to bombard me with theirs.

However, there are some people who tend to dwell too much on doom and gloom, and so I turn the tables by getting them to talk about themselves, something they’ve achieved, or generally giving them the opportunity to ‘crow’.
Gone is the negativity, and in its place animated enthusiasm. Works practically every time.

Of course there is always an alternative (just had to throw this in as I LOVE this cartoon)

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