Gift of Gab
Speaking to a friend the other night, I became a little critical of his lifestyle. I told him straight up, I could not keep up with you, man you are always going out. He responded, "You are the social one, everyone talks to you, you are very popular. I actually keep to myself a lot." I thought about this for a while, because it was the second time that week that someone had called me popular. I chose my words very carefully: "I am not social or popular, but I do have the gift of gab. I could probably talk my way out of a prison camp if I really tried, but that does not make me a socialite or popular."
The term "gift of gab" generally refers to someone who has the ability to talk readily, glibly, and convincingly. The term became popular in the 14th and 15th centuries in relation to the legend of Blarney Stone of Irish fame (@ Blarney Castle). The legend holds that someone who kisses the stone is endowed with the "gift of gab" specifically the the ability to deceive without offending. The word "blarney" as a result of this legend has the similar definition of "empty flattery" or "beguiling talk". As an attorney I do feel the need to explain this, now back to the story.
It was odd that I would have this conversation and simultaneous revelation, a week after I was down due to the fact that I did not have any talents or hobbies. I even went so far as to google "finding a new hobby." (Sidebar: I will be taking cooking and dance classes in the near future, let me know if you want to join.) It's funny to me that I never once evaluated my own worth in the community or society as a whole, especially in light of the famous quote from Socrates, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think to be honest, I knew the fact that I have friends born and raised in Asheboro, NC or from Fairmont, WV as well as friends from Brooklyn, NY; Guyana, Los Angeles. I have friends who are from upper class backgrounds and have only been around caucasians there whole life, and friends from lower middle-class who have only been in the urban arena.
I have never feared meeting new people, and to be honest never gave it much thought. This is apparently, a gift I possess and was not cognizant of. Obviously, to me it really is not a gift at all, as I would love to be able to write poetry, or dance, or invent a new meal, but I guess I will have to settle for the gift of gab. Being able to speak to anyone from any background, befriend them, and feel comfortable in various situations that other people simply fear or cannot be a part of. I count myself lucky not for simply my ability to speak well, but for finding a hidden gift that I was endowed with. Best part is, I did not even have to travel to Ireland and kiss a rock that millions of lips have touched.
The term "gift of gab" generally refers to someone who has the ability to talk readily, glibly, and convincingly. The term became popular in the 14th and 15th centuries in relation to the legend of Blarney Stone of Irish fame (@ Blarney Castle). The legend holds that someone who kisses the stone is endowed with the "gift of gab" specifically the the ability to deceive without offending. The word "blarney" as a result of this legend has the similar definition of "empty flattery" or "beguiling talk". As an attorney I do feel the need to explain this, now back to the story.
It was odd that I would have this conversation and simultaneous revelation, a week after I was down due to the fact that I did not have any talents or hobbies. I even went so far as to google "finding a new hobby." (Sidebar: I will be taking cooking and dance classes in the near future, let me know if you want to join.) It's funny to me that I never once evaluated my own worth in the community or society as a whole, especially in light of the famous quote from Socrates, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think to be honest, I knew the fact that I have friends born and raised in Asheboro, NC or from Fairmont, WV as well as friends from Brooklyn, NY; Guyana, Los Angeles. I have friends who are from upper class backgrounds and have only been around caucasians there whole life, and friends from lower middle-class who have only been in the urban arena.
I have never feared meeting new people, and to be honest never gave it much thought. This is apparently, a gift I possess and was not cognizant of. Obviously, to me it really is not a gift at all, as I would love to be able to write poetry, or dance, or invent a new meal, but I guess I will have to settle for the gift of gab. Being able to speak to anyone from any background, befriend them, and feel comfortable in various situations that other people simply fear or cannot be a part of. I count myself lucky not for simply my ability to speak well, but for finding a hidden gift that I was endowed with. Best part is, I did not even have to travel to Ireland and kiss a rock that millions of lips have touched.
posted by K. Jobe | 09:14
1 Comments:
Count me in for the cooking classes! lol
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