A friendly conversation, a few caring words and intent of respect goes a long way in associating with people. It's not that hard to exchange some words of concern and care, with acquaintances and people we meet in our daily life.
Often a times, however, we don't have control over communication style of others. Some interactions can be particularly frustrating and painful.


(on running into an acquaintance)

I was geuninely happy to see her. I had been through a tough day.
- Hi.. Haven't seen you in a long time.

-- (self concious): Yes, same here.
-- Whats up with your hair?

- (a little startled) It's been like that for a long time.

-- How's everything going?

- Pretty good. How's your research coming along?

-- Okay. How's yours. Who do you work for?

I remebered answering that on previous occasions, I replied anyway.
- Nick Bambos.

-- Oh, MSEE ... (disrespectful tone).

I didn't know what to say. Not knowing why she'd bring that up, I was confused. I saw no issue with any department whatsoever and Nick's faculty didn't need any defense. Nick is like a parent to me, I felt insulted too.
- Well, he's a double appointment in EE and MSEE.

-- So, when are you graduating? Because * said that he'll be graduating next year. So I thought its that way with all EE people (giggle).

I saw no particular point in discussing people in third person; nonetheless..
- Well, I don't want to go away so soon.

-- *'s advisor is going on a sabbatical.

- Is he?

...

- I don't see you around in SGF gatherings.

-- (opening up) Yeah, I am off campus. So its hard to commute. (flattered tone)

....

- So, what are you doing during summer?

-- I'll be around, but I'll be interning with HP.

- It's on Miranda Avenue, right?

-- Page Mill, there are hundreds of HPs around, no not hundreds, but a lot (giggle).

- Yeah

...

-- See you

- Good to see you.



I didn't feel particularly pleased speaking with her, tired as I had been with all the day's work, I fet frustrated and bad.
She's is an academically intelligent person, so I respect her. But can I help not thinking of her as nothing more than 150 pounds of self sustaining vain?


I'll contrast the above, with another acquuaintance. ---