The Friend Manual: How to make friends when you're bad at it

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When small talk is animal talk

Published by

A. Friend

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What if a conversation subtext makes more sense as a nature show soundtrack?

Like, when we’re chirping at each other.

Two cartoon birds talking to each other. "Can you believe this weather forecast?" "How was the traffic today?" The bottom says "Chirping: invitations to engage in low stakes conversation"

Or, when we’re just pinging.

A worried cartoon bat that has four speech bubbles around him saying "how are you". The bottom says "Echolocation: I acknowledge your existence. Is there danger here?"

Maybe we’re trying to prove something.

Two cartoon dogs talking to each other. "Too bad this food sucks. Let me tell you my entire C.V. and my elevator pitch" "I went to Harvard." At the bottom, "Barking: dominance, competition for resources, rules setting."

Or share good feelings.

Two happy cartoon cats talking to each other. "Isn't the sunset spectacular?" "Sure is! Great canapés too!" At the bottom it says "Purring: Expressing safety and relaxation."

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