The Walkie Talkie Club
Weekend Reads v. 24.10.2025
If we’ve ever met in person, you probably noticed I am not usually one who struggles to make conversation. And you probably would not be surprised to learn I was often described as “a talker” by my grade school teachers. Lately, however, I’ve come to realize I often dread making conversation with strangers. I suppose I hadn’t really acknowledged that I carry this dread until last night when I was taking a walk in a city park.
As I made my way down the path, I noticed an orderly line of people walking my way. At the front of this line were two individuals holding a sign that read, “Walkies Talkies Walk Club.” It took a moment for the penny to drop that this orderly line of people walking and chatting was an organized group. As the pairs of people passed me, I heard snippets of conversation about delayed trains, favorite flavors of holiday drinks, and a story about a colleague.
Not too long ago, I would have been thrilled to come upon a group like this in the wild! I once took a creative writing class at a university, and one of our writing prompts was to write a short story based on a bit of dialogue we overheard in a public setting. What an assignment! I loved the creativity of illustrating an entire story based on a 30-second clip of conversation from the line at Coffee Bean. It felt like a celebration of humanity to recognize these strangers standing in line had complete lives they’d be living after they got their coffee.
But last night, I felt a sense of absolute dread as I heard those bits and bobs of conversation.
First, I was tired just thinking about that delayed flight, the overly sweet holiday drink, and obnoxious colleague. Second, I could feel my muscles tighten as I braced for talk that would be deemed upsetting to someone. These days, it seems everything is upsetting to someone out there. Making a joke feels perilous. Liking a new album feels political. And politics, well that’s just an abyss into darkness right now. When did this happen? When did I become so frightened of entering into a conversation with a stranger?
I suspect there isn’t time nor room in this post to fully examine the root cause of last night’s dread. I also suspect that thing called The Pandemic had something to do with the knot I felt in my stomach. Oh and perhaps I could blame the general turbulence of the world and the news and the markets and the agony of aging and on and on I spiral! But what to do about this newfound feeling of dread around strangers?
For starters, I must stop trying to be all things to all people. There will be people in my life with whom a conversation will not be pleasant. Somehow I’ve bought into this false notion floating around culture and social media (!!) that people should all just get along swimmingly or they are doing life wrong. TV adverts and shows are particularly bad about this at the moment. For example, few shows write a grouchy character into a scene these days without completely vilifying them for this grouchiness. (Slow Horses is a beautiful exception to this.)
Second, I need to acknowledge where I run afoul by consciously “dropping my sword,” to quote Mel Robbins. In short, I need to stop bracing for frustration before even leaving the house. How many times have I set out on a day of errands already tense with apprehension about venturing into public. When I have my back up like this and encounter a harsh attitude or point of view, I am internally inflamed and stung. No wonder the prospect of conversation with a stranger exhausts me. I’ve tired myself out before I’ve even left the house!
The third thing I try to remember is that people at this very spot in history are generally worn out and very likely on edge.
I wrote last year about a perspective I call “the front row theory” that helps me quite a bit. In short, I try to give most of my time to people who fill me up, and I exercise wisdom in how much exposure I have to people doling out discouragement. This isn’t to say I run from opposing viewpoints, no, I still seek those out. But I seek them out when I have energy and a healthy frame of mind. A keyboard warrior lashing out late and night? Thank you, next. A grumpy traveler making rude remarks? I’ll keep reading this book.
Though it is difficult at times, I try to carve out time for people who nourish – those people who have seen me at my worst and still support and encourage me. Those are people from whom I receive trusted critiques.
A dear friend is in town this week, and her visit couldn’t be more well-timed. We’ve loaded up a shared note on our phones with topics we want to discuss. She has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her life that I am eager to hear more about. And there are so many big ideas to unpack. Being with someone who has seen me on my good days and on my horribly grouchy days feels especially safe in a time such as this.
Differences of opinion are wonderful, despite what media or tv adverts may claim. We all need space and grace to work out our thoughts. This is what I remind myself when someone is verbally processing an idea I don’t share.
Maybe with a bit of practice, I’ll rid myself of this apprehension about speaking with strangers. Although I’m not really one for clubs, so I don’t see myself walking behind the “Walkies Talkies Walk Club” banner anytime soon.
Outside of Japan, the words “airport” and “sushi” feel more like an oxymoron than a natural pair, and yet the sophisticated people at Conde Nast deliver a strong defense for airport sushi.
I was completely mesmerized by this video that outlines what’s wrong with most pairs of scissors today, and now I may be adding a pair of Craighill scissors to my Christmas list!
As a resident of a Southeastern state, I’m always looking for cotton sweaters come October. These from Maria Stanley are on the pricey side but very chic and classic.
If you’re one for planning winter getaways to warm, sunny beaches, this beachfinder tool might be helpful.
Wondering what passers-by think when they happen to stumble upon a “scream club” meeting in a public place? (WaPo gift link)
I first heard of the Gen Alpha habit / tick to loudly proclaim “six-seven” in response to seemingly random triggers from two moms at work. They were past the point of annoyance with these seemingly random outbursts, and apparently so is Maya Rudolph. For the Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, just what is “six-seven” and now that the Washington Post has reported on it, will it please exit via state left? (WaPo gift link)
“I tried ‘Entertaining’ like Martha Stewart. It was exhausting and exhilarating.”
“By the time the guests arrived, I was exhausted. I hadn’t had time to shower or fix my hair properly. I worried that I would nod off over the pureed carrots. But then something amazing happened: As my husband mixed gin and tonics and our guests’ laughter filled the patio, I looked around and realized that everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time — and suddenly, I was, too.
There was an unmistakable conviviality in the air. Was it the menu? The Bordeaux wine? Was it that the silver was freshly polished and the drinks were served in spotless crystal glasses?
Whatever the reason, it was there. And wouldn’t you know it, people loved the stupid artichokes. Conversation flowed over the lamb and the side dishes. The raspberry mousse was a hit. Guests left after midnight, smiling and full. Moments after shutting the door, my second wind gusted away and I soon collapsed into bed, with my saint of a husband on dish duty.” (Source)
The travel experts at PRIOR have partnered with Apple Maps, and I am.so.thrilled. “From stylish souks in Marrakech to the finest natural wine bars, tea salons, and cinematic escapes from Los Angeles to Tokyo, these digital guides make trip planning effortless and inspiring.”
I once heard someone say public transportation is the great equalizer – particularly in New York City – but after reading this account of bankruptcy hearings for Claire’s, I’m wondering if getting your ears pierced at the mall is a great equalizer?
“Most corporate bankruptcy hearings are all business. But when the failing company has been a piercer of more than 100 million ears, nobody can stick to courtroom decorum.
Over the course of the proceedings, attorneys making upwards of $2,600 an hour veered off topic to share their Claire’s stories. The judge questioned a lawyer about his piercings. An attorney for the liquidator confessed to losing a bet that landed him in the piercing chair.” (Source - WSJ gift link)
This essay written by actress Patricia Routledge – best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket from the British TV show “Keeping Up Appearances” – just before her 95th birthday is inspiring. Her life serves as a good reminder that there is no expiration date on learning new skills.
Here’s an exercise you can do at your desk to burn fat and steady sugar levels in your body.
Swooning over this home in the Cotswolds.
Last weekend, I had the good fortune to watch not one but two movies with Helen Mirren in them. I also learned she supposedly does this 12-minute set of military exercises everyday. And now if you’ll excuse me, it looks like I may need to restructure my morning routine.
The last Croissant Session takes place tomorrow in Berlin. Ah, this sounds so fun!
I hope you are about to embark on a wonderful weekend. Take gentle care of yourself.
On Monday, a shiny new gift guide will land in your inbox. I know, it feels too early for gift guides, but trust me — many of these items will sell out. Anyway, something to look for!