today i heard a long exchange about traffic and which streets to take in what type of weather. it became clear that one man was forcing his knowledge on the other man, who would have much preferred talking about something else. it was an empty exchange because it was not relational. it was an uncalled-for monologue of cleverness meant only to dazzle. he was talking to hear himself talk. there was no real checking in.

as listener I'm sure the second man had just as many salient points to make about the first man's lack of social skills, but you can't really bring this kind of thing up now can you? it's a kind of awareness that is not quantified and does not reach the level of word until there is an emotional angry dressing down of the first man in five years.

the first man and the listener both have a good chance of ending up isolated, but for completely different reasons.

the first man will drive others away with his blind pontifications.

the second will eventually say, as thom yorke did, 'while you make pretty speeches, i'm being cut to shreds'. it is this sensitivity which may drive his seclusion.

I am the second man.