We have all seen those memes about how seeing people Info-dump is the hottest thing ever, but even in normal conversations listening to people talk is chore in of itself. I get bored quickly and look somewhere else or interrupt them with my own thoughts or try to predict what they are going to say.
It feels like i am more interest in myself and what i care about than what the other person has to say,who they are or what they care about.
And yes, i am aware how beyond self-centered that is and i do wish to work on that but i am also wondering if others have similar experience.
It’s a skill you can learn. If you’re into TTRPGs, I’ve found that can be a great way to practice, because the format is engaging, and the nature of the game benefits from equal contributions. I try to make characters that focus on setting up other members of the party in different ways. When we’re in combat, I try to involve other characters in tactics, and in roleplay, I make an effort to involve everyone at the table. GMing is especially good for this, as you want your party to be doing most of the talking, and you want everyone to be having fun.
As I’ve played more, and interacted in other casual social situations, I’ve definitely gotten better at filling an appropriate role in a conversation. I’m the host! It’s my job to make sure everyone is comfortable and engaged. Usually that means asking smart questions and getting people onto topics they naturally enjoy, usually to do with their own lives. Shared interests are a bonus (and often the roots of a friendship). And it’s something that I can do anywhere, even if I’m not actually hosting the gathering, because it just comes off as being genuine