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Going for a coffee - what has happened to the art of conversation?

Has anyone else noticed that nowadays when ever you go some where for a tea or coffee no one seems to be talking any more, it's heads down and looking at the screen in their hand. Being on my own I like gong into cafes and used to smile at people and sometimes start a conversation about the weather or what was good to order, but now not many people seem interested in this sort of thing, they seem to be more intent on the little screen. My phone is usually in my bag, where it stays, until it rings, am I the odd one out for wanting to engage in a chat??


Created By on 23/01/2017

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JaneL59
15th Feb 2019 20:52:16
0
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Hi Ruby,
I agree with you. Communication in person is slipping away. People now days aren't interested in talking face to face. So sad. How can you laugh together if you are looking at a screen. Sometimes people on the bus sit together and text each other!
CaroleAH
22nd Aug 2018 10:05:34 (Last activity: 22nd Aug 2018 14:03:06)
0
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If it's friendly chat and very reasonable prices why not try St Crux Parish Hall which is at the Coppergate end of The Shambles in York. The Hall was built using old stone from St Crux medieval church which had to be demolished in 1887-8 because it was unsafe. There are a few monuments from the church still in the hall. I popped in there last week and had a delicious bacon butty and a coffee, plus a chat with the ladies running the cafe, for the princely sum of £3. The cakes on display looked absolutely delicious.!
Response from jeanmark made on 22nd Aug 2018 13:59:14
I know the place Carole, every time my husband and I visit York, that is were we always go for coffee and cake - and the odd bacon butty.
Response from CaroleAH made on 22nd Aug 2018 14:03:06
It's certainly a super place as you have found out, Jeanmark, especially when a coffee would cost at least £3 in the "posh" coffee shops!
David46
21st Aug 2018 07:03:52 (Last activity: 22nd Aug 2018 14:00:40)
1
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I totally agree with you. Mobile phone addiction has become a real problem, it is the first thing people reach for at any opportunity and threatens many friendships and marriages. People generally have no wish to speak to other real live people in person. The tragedy is that our young people are growing up unable to socialise and speak normally to others. Even parents with babies can be seen ignoring them completely while they are engrossed in their phones.
Response from jeanmark made on 21st Aug 2018 14:47:30
Am I the only person who is happy to sit alone drinking coffee and just people watch when in a coffee shop? If some one stops to chat, then I will respond but rarely encourage such an interaction.

However, my village does have a village cafe held one morning a week in the village hall. and I'm am more than happy to chat with other villages here. The whole purpose of the cafe (run by the church) is to encourage villages, young and old, to meet and socialise. Toys are provided for toddlers, to allows mothers to chat without worries and newspaper and magazines for the older folk if they want to be alone. No phones in evidence by choice and very popular.
Response from David46 made on 21st Aug 2018 14:52:23
Sounds a good place to be I wish there were more like that.
Response from jeanmark made on 21st Aug 2018 17:55:12
It is David, there is Free-trade tea and coffee and all the cakes are home made. Tea/coffee with a piece of cake is £1.20, who could ask for more.
Response from David46 made on 21st Aug 2018 17:57:55
Bargain! I hope you enjoy it often.
Response from jeanmark made on 22nd Aug 2018 14:00:40
I do and every week.
[deleted]
27th Jan 2017 22:53:59 (Last activity: 9th Nov 2017 20:52:07)
0
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[deleted]
Response from britishtea made on 9th Nov 2017 20:52:07
This the way to go
britishtea
9th Nov 2017 20:47:04
0
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I think it is good. It is better that to be so techie
CarolinaGirl
20th May 2017 03:19:30
1
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Awww I wish i could have a coffee date with ya'll. We would have a great time!
Earthlady
7th Mar 2017 02:49:52
0
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I would love a friend to have coffee with, I live in Australia near Parramatta,
ecarg
28th Feb 2017 17:01:40
0
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Yes I "Fancy a cuppa " to
Any info on how the group was formed would be great.
Catsareus
27th Feb 2017 17:42:41 (Last activity: 28th Feb 2017 14:35:25)
4
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I've just joined a group called "Fancy a cuppa" We meet about once a month, anyone can turn up, and you can meet new people, and try out different cafes.
Response from Pilkie made on 28th Feb 2017 14:35:25
Where did you find that group, sounds like a great idea
ecarg
28th Feb 2017 02:06:54
1
Thanks for voting!
People used to hide behind newspapers now it's staring at little screens.
However I can't remember a lot of chit chat going on prior to the tech age.
If you want a conversation smile and speak if no one answers their not worth talking to anyway.People watching is interesting guess who will look up from their phones first . Last time I was in a cafe' a man offered to sing me an Elvis song in exchange for my toastie .I said "no it has to be a Beatles number " I kept my toastie ,he left with his wife and I laughing and my granddaughter sitting looking thoughly perplexed .
gailyp63
27th Feb 2017 09:51:08
0
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same here you know that ur not getting peoples full attention cos they are afraid they are missing something usually on social media .
cloudless13
1st Feb 2017 10:48:01
0
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Dear Rubie

Don't give up being you. Its not you at all, its how people have become. They like to communicate by screen, as for the art of a good old chin wag its often down to where we live. If you are in London I would forget it, so many people don't speak English, and it can be dangerous. If out in more friendly areas of the country people will still say good morning and give a moment to exchange words.... I was a London born boy, back then it was so different everyone in a road talked to each other and looked out for each other.... I am now in Sussex and yes most people have a phone out in the situation you are talking about... yet I wont give in and hang onto the hope that people will start to talk again.. So should you. :>)
jeanmark
31st Jan 2017 16:09:12
3
Thanks for voting!
I have found that if I start talking to an empty chair, someone will have to ask who I am talking to - either that or take a photograph with their phone, you just have to remember to smile.

To be honest I am quite happy to sit and people-watch rather than try to engage in conversation.
[deleted]
31st Jan 2017 13:16:38 (Last activity: 31st Jan 2017 15:57:29)
0
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from twobikemike made on 31st Jan 2017 15:43:28
Save yourself the Phaser development costs - phone signal jammers are available on the Internet at pension friendly prices.
Even if you're enjoying a coffee alone at least you can have fun watching all those phone addicts wondering what that silence is.
Come the revolution. . . . .
Response from twobikemike made on 31st Jan 2017 15:57:29
I guess the bark is a full moon activity?

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