In that picture are the five surviving siblings of my family. And every one of them is a terrific Story Teller. Nobody dominates, everybody contributes. So the two tables next to us, picked up the tab for all 12 of us.
When we asked why- because we didn't know them at all.
They said:
"That was the most interesting and funny conversation we have ever heard. We feel like we know you guys now."
And I thought that was the greatest compliment ever...and then, today, well, I got one of my own!
So yesterday I went up to our Local FoodLion. I know most of the folks up there, and greet them when I shop. The lady that runs the Deli part, has known me for over ten years. So she was about to go on break with two of the newer employees - I didn't know either of them. And a third woman who was training for another store.
So I stopped them for a minute to tell the one I have known a long time ...about Kathy's kissing story where Barry D. Young was the best kisser ever. And then I told them the story about 400 kids mooing me. They all laughed. And went to hurry for their break.
So today I go up again. We ran out of milk.
And one of the ladies from yesterday calls me over to the Deli.
And this is what she said:
"Kevin, I just wanted to say it was nice to meet you. I have to admit when you stopped us as we headed to break I was a bit miffed. But I didn't want to be rude, and Sally seemed in no hurry. But two minutes later, we were all hooked. When you asked us if we remembered our First Kiss, and who was the best in our own lives...well, we had a heck of a talk after you left.
Usually we gripe about pay, or getting hours, or store gossip. But yesterday we talked about our youth, the guys we dated, and how different it is to kiss someone you love, versus someone who is just physically attractive. It was like a bunch of girls just went to lunch.
So I just wanted to say thank you."

And that might have been the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long long time. Because I often beat myself up for talking too much. But sometimes, I get lucky and my thoughts or words start a conversation. And I kinda think that is cool.