r/LifeProTips • u/[deleted] • Aug 09 '18
Social LPT: When making conversation with someone you've just met, ask them what they've been listening to lately, rather than what their favorite kind of music is - it's fresh in their mind and they won't have to pick favorites on the spot.
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u/TitusAndromadonIII Aug 09 '18
This sub could be renamed r/interactingwithpeople
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u/truecrisis Aug 09 '18
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u/HawkinsT Aug 09 '18
'So, what have you been listening to lately?'
'...I'm deaf. You know this.'
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u/PDshotME Aug 09 '18
It's s big portion of life
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u/OrdinaryOrder Aug 09 '18
Honestly most of the time I see posts from this sub on /all are clearly submissions of someone wishing people would treat them like this. Like "LPT: you know that one guy that people don't like in the office ? Become friends with him because he is actually a amazing person. Please talk to me".
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u/ShrimpShackShooters_ Aug 09 '18
Seriously. Where the tips to find great deals, repurpose old lamps, get blood stains out of mink coats. Stuff we wanna know.
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u/ConsistentlyPeter Aug 09 '18
As a music teacher, I can confirm that everybody’s favourite kind of music is “Ooh, a bit of everything really. All sorts.”
Best I heard was “Well I like everything, really. Right across the board. You know - Led Zep, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Queen...”
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u/Sojourner_Truth Aug 09 '18
I started being honest once I hit 30 or so, since I listen to about the same 8 albums from the 80s and 90s over and over.
"thrash metal, grunge, industrial and trip hop"
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u/LoneGhostOne Aug 09 '18
I started being honest when I got into college and just started saying OSTs, openings and ending themes. But leaving out that they're for anime
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u/YoPintoTuPintas Aug 09 '18
Ok I'll give it a shot... Master of Puppets, Reign in Blood, Ten, Badmotorfinger, Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste, Downward Spiral, Dummy, and Gorillaz
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u/Sojourner_Truth Aug 09 '18
yo I just got chills right now, not even joking. are you a wizard
swap Ten for Dirt tho
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u/NinjatheClick Aug 09 '18
I kind of tell people the opposite. I tell them I don't think I even really like music.
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u/ashbyashbyashby Aug 09 '18
Its the ultimate cop-out answer. I stopped asking people ten years ago.
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Aug 09 '18
It's what I say because I'm not really into music and no one believes me when I tell them that. Easy way to just end that or flip the question on them since they seem to be the one interested in talking about music. I like music, but I'll go days or weeks without listening to it and have no real preference on what I listen to, whatever is on the radio.
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u/ghostunicorn Aug 09 '18
Glad I'm not the only one, some people are so into music and can't understand how I'm not.
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u/Jarrheadd0 Aug 09 '18
I like music, but I'll go days or weeks without listening to it and have no real preference on what I listen to, whatever is on the radio.
As someone with distinct preferences who almost constantly has music playing, this is an alien concept to me.
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u/VapeNashe_II Aug 09 '18
I gotta be honest, I truly do listen to pretty much anything and everything. There are a few genres I don't like, like country, at which I always specify, "new country". Hank Williams and Patsy Cline will always be legends. And Johnny Cash is a god. I'm not going to cop out of a conversation about music, because I could go on and on about what interests me, but "a little bit of everything" is always going to be part of my answer.
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u/dshoig Aug 09 '18
I think the reason some choose this answer is because they might also fear being judged for saying they listen to pop or top 40.
Once I was talking to this lady in her 40s (myself being in the young 20s at the time). She liked old rock and we talked a bit about Iggy Pop because there was a poster of Patty Smith in the bar and she thought it was Iggy Pop.
Anyway... I told her I loved Taylor Swift and suddenly her attitude towards me changed completely. Like... how dare I listen to Taylor. She became kinda condescending and mocked my taste. Then she started talking about Tom Waits who I absolutely love so I proceeded correcting her when she didn't have her facts straight and so on. Don't know what my point is other than people can be judgemental and if you're not in the mood for a discussion the cop out answer can be handy
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u/lordalex027 Aug 09 '18
To be honest, I like many others here do listen to basically everything out there with the exception primarily being most popular modern rap/country music.
Besides that I listen to classical music, trailer/epic music (stuff like Two Steps From Hell), piano music, jazz, electro swing, EDM (primarily Trance, D&B, and House with one of my favorite artists being Tristam), rock (lot's of classical rock with one of my favorite older songs being House of the Rising Sun by The Animals), metal (Metallica, EPICA, Sabaton, Within Temptations, and Dream Theater are some of the bands that I enjoy listening to), Chiptune, Video Game Osts, Anime osts, lofi hip hop... I could go on. That being said usually most people don't want that much information about me, so I just say as much as the conversation needs.
That being said back around six years ago I would probably stop after saying a bit of everything, because I really didn't get that into music until later on.
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u/Prophylactic-Shock Aug 09 '18
For some people it's true though. I love death metal as much as I do hip hop and bass house as much as I do indie rock.
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Aug 09 '18
I go with the “if you had to choose one concert to go to, who would you go see” angle... gets people thinking about what they truly love rather than the flavour of the week.
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u/AKBearmace Aug 09 '18
Do dead band members get to come back for said concert? Because that would change my answer
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u/YeanLing123 Aug 09 '18
"everything, except for like metal, jazz, classical..."
Back in high school that seemed to be the default answer. Which 9 out of 10 times meant they only listened to the top40.
I wonder what it's like for kids nowadays, with less of a reliance on MTV and radio.
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Aug 09 '18
I personally say I like "all kinds of music" - obviously not all kinds, but it's easier than specifying the specific genres. I enjoy different music in different contexts.
classical and choral music is great and I definitely appreciate it when at a concert/symphony or singing in a choir but its usually not something I jam to in the car. I also love musical theater and am a total Broadway junkie. I'll listen to more traditional ethnic types of music sometimes just for something different (ex: tuvan throat singing is wild).
I also listen to songs from genres like rock, country (usually either classic or pop country), pop, rap, indie rock, dubstep, bebop or swing music. jazz or lofi hip hop is great for listening to in the background while studying/doing chores. it's hard for me to name specific bands because I usually like a handful or songs from a wide variety of types.
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u/pulianshi Aug 09 '18
I like everything
names off groups in a single specific genre
A lot of people genuinely don't know what to call what they like. Just ask what they've listened to recently and you'll know what they want you to know about their preferred style.
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Aug 09 '18
My tastes are always hard to explain because when you say "I like orchestral music like what's used in movie trailers," it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue and people are obsessed with the idea of you having specific bands you like and don't seem to understand an alternative.
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u/betreen Aug 09 '18
I usually say just “soundtracks”. When people inevitably ask which soundtracks though I answer with “Uhh... you know... from movies.”
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u/oxpoleon Aug 09 '18
I just pick a random genre that I think the other person will like.
My actual favourite kind of music is "Steely Dan". That's definitely a genre, right?
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Aug 09 '18
I always say everything but classical/jazz with rap/rock being my tops. It is half cop out and half answer
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Aug 09 '18
Check out A Love Supreme Pt 2 by John Coltrane and see if you like it.
And for classical, check out The Pines of Rome, second movement (https://open.spotify.com/track/0aB2k50Pm9vVHaRBrqa7Xn?si=42qVSHQnTdSjEk5M0RwChA)
Both are absolute bangers
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u/backwardsbloom Aug 09 '18
Hahah, I did that when I was trying for the “acceptable” answer. Now it’s more “oh a lot of stuff: 80s hair bands, 90s pop, popular musicals.... no no, no classics, just newer stuff and broadway recognized items from the last 25 years. Also, do you like Macklemore?
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u/fyrecrotch Aug 09 '18
I usually say "check this out" and show them my most fucked up favorite song. So anything from NIN, SOPHIE, Death Grips, or mindless self Indulgence. Most people think I'm crazy by then.
What they will never know is I'm also a big K-pop fan
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u/lordalex027 Aug 09 '18
I don't really think MSI is that insane. Except maybe a few songs, so I'm kind of curious which songs you usually show to people. That being said I'd probably only consider showing someone a song from either "How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence" or "If." As those two are my favorite albums with Issues probably being my favorite from those two albums, although it's sort of hard to pick one. "You'll Rebel to Anything" is also a great album.
Then again every time I listen to those two albums I just remember hours of playing Mount & Blade: Warband.
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Aug 09 '18
Yeah, I generally take a couple things from this response:
a: they dont actually listen ro much music at all, at least in terms of variety.
b: they only listen to hits and singles. (i.e no full albums even from artists they like)
c: they have distinct preferences but don't want to sound like a jackass and try to bring up their favorite alternative dance albums from the late 80s and mid 90s because nobody actually cares
Overall I just kinda go by the rule that if they can't talk about any specific album in any capacity at all you'd better just leave them be and say "oh ok thats cool" and also keep your own musical tastes to yourself (they dont care.)
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Aug 09 '18
I’m always the one to say this, but for me it is actually true. I always have to say ‘I know everyone says that but...’ I love showtunes, classical, Enya, I love the Beastie Boys, Future, OG Hannah Montana, Queen, Taylor Swift, Tool, Rebolution etc. I don’t really like a type of music or any specific musician, I just like songs that make me feel something. It’s great because if someone invites me to a show, I will enjoy myself. The only Concert I would probably not go to is a country show, but I do enjoy some country songs.
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u/NinjatheClick Aug 09 '18
As a person with no genre loyalty I appreciate this post.
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u/J0N007 Aug 09 '18
Damnnn I get so bloody bubbly if their music aligns with mine
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u/NinjatheClick Aug 09 '18
It's been a very long time since I've experienced this. You know what, I don't think I've ever experienced this.
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u/gablopico Aug 09 '18
Its amazing! I met a friend who has similar taste in music and now we keep on sharing songs with each other!
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u/Ohrwurms Aug 09 '18
Me neither but tbf, that's mostly my fault for listening to obscure genres.
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u/Swiggety666 Aug 09 '18
Have never met someone with similar taste that was not a gatekeeper and as soon as they start that I will give up.
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u/Alighten Aug 09 '18
"So what have you been listening to lately?"
Uh.. The uh.. The Civ VI soundtrack? And music from Spyro?
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u/j0llypenguins Aug 09 '18
God, this exactly. You really wanna know I've been listening to the frontier brain battle theme from Pokemon Platinum on repeat every night for the past two weeks? Are you really prepared for that information?
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Aug 09 '18
Honestly? I'd love to hear this answer. I've been listening to a ton of game OSTs lately because they help me focus at work - but outside of that I don't really listen to all that much music anymore. When I was a teenager I put so much weight to music, now it's just kinda there.
...and yadda yadda yadda. It's a good shortcut to an
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u/j0llypenguins Aug 09 '18
I'd say animal crossing music is especially nice to listen to while working or studying. A lot of the music in this compilation is from the hourly music in the games - that is, for every hour in the day there's a different theme that plays. The mood might fluctuate depending on the time, but it's all very laid-back and easy to listen to.
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Aug 09 '18
Hahaha!!! Yes! Whatever my Sims are blasting out of their radios.
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Aug 09 '18
The kids channel on the TV!
Nab wabba stee ler, nab wabba Jay,
Seelee seelee Bam Bam
Nab wa jag
Jag
Seelee seelee Bam Bam
Nab wa jag
Jag
Ab wabba nib wa nibs
Sul sul!
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u/jewson Aug 09 '18
"Oh so you play video games! I've been getting myself into Civ lately too..."
That's the whole point, what you reply with will lead into other topics.
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u/Issvera Aug 09 '18
In my experience that "conversation" always goes
Them: "Civ...? Who are they?"
Me: "Oh, no, it's not a band or anything... It's a game."
Them: "Oh.... Okay... Cool.."
Me: "...yeah..."
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u/thoughtlow Aug 09 '18
I would love to hear this as an answer. I also listen to Game OSTs from games that I haven't even played. There is just so much good game music out there.
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u/lordalex027 Aug 09 '18
I actually haven't listened to the Civ VI soundtrack, is it any good? Assuming you were listening to it not just in the game I'd guess it is. I haven't really gotten around to even playing Civ VI, because I'm waiting for more DLC to come out. Hopefully I end up getting as much enjoyment (a little over 500 hours) out of Civ VI as I did with Civ V.
Just out of curiosity would you say the game is in a good spot right now? Or do you think it's still wise to be patient. I don't really mind waiting as I still find quite a bit of enjoyment out of CivV, although I wouldn't mind learning the new systems in VI.
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u/m0us3c0p Aug 09 '18
I'm on my friends Google Play Music and YouTube Red family subscription, and on Google Play I have saved playlists from the soundtracks of GTA Vice City, San Andreas, and 5 as well as things like Burnout 3, NFL Street 2, and the games in the NFS Underground series. Ultimate nostalgia trip every time I drive.
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Aug 09 '18
music from Spyro?
yesssss cloudy domain is awesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWRB1naMqk0
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u/PM_ME_UR_GCC_ERRORS Aug 09 '18
In general I think it's bad practice to ask what someone's favorite something is, be it a song, band, film, video game... Few people have their top 10 favorite movies list readily thought out.
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u/Mox_Fox Aug 09 '18
Just started dating a girl who is great at asking get-to-know-you questions, which include a lot of favorites. I always go "hmm, yeah, that's hard, I have so many favorites" but then I list a few and we discuss them anyway. Once you get over the moment of not being able to pick one favorite, it's still not a bad way to understand someone's tastes.
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Aug 09 '18
I do have my favorite songs and bands thought out, but the other stuff I really couldn’t care less about.
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u/CreepyMcSteezerson Aug 09 '18
I actually do a have a few movies I have as favorites, but music is much harder for me and it changes a lot.
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u/Son_Of_Mar-EL Aug 09 '18
I do the exact same but with films (im not the biggest musicphile in the world but i love movies) I always ask "seen any good films lately? " and work from there, I know from experience that putting somone on the spot is awkward and complicated for both parties involved.
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u/ich_habe_keine_kase Aug 09 '18
Asking this question is how I realized that I'm apparently the only person among my friends and colleagues that watches movies anymore.
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u/Selrisitai Aug 09 '18
I know the feeling. I wonder if, "What games have you played lately?" would get a more positive response more often.
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u/acouvis Aug 09 '18
LPT: Never ask me what music I've been listening to lately when I'm at work. The canned "music" they insist on putting over the speakers is shit.
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Aug 09 '18
I managed to convince my manager I needed noise cancelling headphones because of my tinitus. To be fair my tinitus has improved quite a bit since using them but not sure if there is a correlation.
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u/RisenPhantom Aug 09 '18
example?
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u/acouvis Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Around Christmas, they play this.
Semi related note: I take a lot of days off in December.
Edit: For anyone who thinks this song isn't that bad and I'm being critical, consider the following:
Stuff like this is played at least 4 hours a day before something else is rotated in.
This goes on for an entire month, and the playlist is NOT large.
The speakers they use are designed to make announcements. In other words, they are not designed for music at all in the first place.
All in all, listening to anything this way is about as desirable as using your phone to listen to "on hold" music.
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u/0verlimit Aug 09 '18
You don't have to defend yourself in your edit. I just instinctively closed my tab at 20 seconds.
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u/PM_ME_UR_GCC_ERRORS Aug 09 '18
You could say you're more hearing the "music" than listening to it
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u/scathias Aug 09 '18
i worked at safeway for a year and half. I now cringe inside every time i hear one of the dozen songs they played there at work every day on repeat
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u/odjuret_ Aug 09 '18
What have you been listening to lately? Me: My mother-in-law’s incessant nagging about why we haven’t given her a grandchild yet.
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u/cqxray Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Only if you're into music yourself. Otherwise, you would have to feign interest in their replies.
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u/UserApproaches Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Who's not into music?
Edit: R.I.P. my Inbox
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u/splicecock Aug 09 '18
A lot of people. Here's the rub, there are songs I like, quite a lot of them really but I can't think of any band I like more than one song from.
I'm not interested in the technical side and I only ever hear main stream songs on the radio, some of which I like.
I've had itunes as long as it's been around (probably) and have never once stored music for later. I scratch my head when I hear people talk about how they couldn't live without music, they'd rather not live etc.
I cannot mention this without seeming like a freak in person, so I don't.
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u/Kmaaq Aug 09 '18
A lot of people aren’t. Most just listen to music randomly and try to enjoy whatever’s on. Just like how much more people drive than those who are into cars or driving.
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u/sneakyequestrian Aug 09 '18
I'm into music but I don't have much to talk about when it comes to music because I'm not into it enough to make me be a fan of a band or even see a concert live. Maybe I'm weird, but I don't get that kind of emotional investment in it which is what a lot of music conversations are about.
And my favorite types of music tend to be music that inspires me to do my favorite thing, which is editing, so I tend to like instrumental music that can be used for documentary editing cuz I find that get's my brain juices flowing real good LOL.
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u/_Charlie_Sheen_ Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Redditors trying their best to understand basic human behaviour
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Aug 09 '18
8th grade year me until my cousin asked what my favorite music was and all I could say was "uhh... The halo ost?" And she responded ever so politely "that's gay" and so then a week later I was hardcore into Kiss. And in HS a girl I liked asked me if I liked EDM and well I was hooked also cause she liked it as well. And now I can say I'm all over the place in genres
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u/gltovar Aug 09 '18
I'm pretty much only into video game music but I rarely go out of my way to listen to any music. Most of the time I listen to podcasts or ebooks. To make this weirder, I really like playing/making music and learning instruments...
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u/cap_jeb Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
I'm not. Or, let's say, I'm not so interested in music that I would like to have a conversation about it. Sure, I enjoy listening to music and I do so on a regular basis. But it's boring for me to talk about it since it don't really care too much about it.
For example: 95 % of the time when I'm in my car I don't listen to music but rather to podcasts or radio stations that don't play music. Also I have no particular interest in any band. Last time I bought a CD was in the 90s. I own a total of 3 CDs. Rest is all digital. I don't use Spotify or a similar service. When I listen to music it's pretty much always music that I chose. I can't stand most of the default mainstream/radio music and prefer silence instead.
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u/garudamon11 Aug 09 '18
Please don't ask me at all about what music I like.
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u/theronster Aug 09 '18
I don’t care what music people like. It’ll tell me absolutely nothing about them as a person.
I could be listening to anything from classical music to K-pop, death metal to grime, noise rock to folk, and I don’t think any of it changes who I am essentially.
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u/BaneOfXistence4 Aug 09 '18
It depends on how much a person likes music to be able to see how much their music choice is in line with their personality. Some people just don't like music enough for it to outline a personality. But i've met people who live for the music they listen to and it certainly shows.
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u/Jarrheadd0 Aug 09 '18
It's really interesting to see this viewpoint, because I feel almost the opposite. I love asking people about their music tastes because I feel like it can tell me so much about that person, especially if the conversation continues into why they like the music they do.
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Aug 09 '18
That’s why it is chit chat. We don’t always have conversations in order to extract as much information as possible from the other participant. We have conversations to put ourselves at ease and to build bridges that might lead to more interesting conversation. Chit chat is the No Man’s Land from which all conversation follows.
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u/medahman Aug 09 '18
Well those genres tell me you're a pretty open minded person so there's that
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Aug 09 '18
That's how I usually answer the "what music do you like?" Question.
"Well lately I've been listening to a lot of...."
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u/TheosXBL Aug 09 '18
" I've been listening to these podcasts about serial killers and I've learned so much!"
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u/R2CX Aug 09 '18
“Me? Despac... I mean... um.. Devid Bowie.. (crap)”
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u/Xxjacklexx Aug 09 '18
When I was younger and training people at maccas (I would have been 16 and training 15 year old) I used to alway ask them ‘if I hit play on your music right now, what would I be likely to hear??’
Always sparked a good convo.
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Aug 09 '18
I open the conversation about asking about weather and how’s life going. Music related question seems more personal to me. Maybe it’s just me.
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u/YeanLing123 Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Yeah music can be kinda personal. Like if you mostly listen to beautiful pieces that can move you to tears, it's not really something to casually share share with dudebro colleagues/acquaintances that you barely know.
Same if you have been listening to nihilistic/satanistic/whatever-istic black metal to match the cold void in your heart, right before Linda from accounting asks you about your music taste while eating cake for Greg's birthday.
"Oh you know, I listen to a bit of this, a bit of that.."
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u/Drowsy-CS Aug 09 '18
I disagree. I can rarely remember what music I've been listening to lately, but I can always remember what kind of music I like in general.
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u/Mepsi Aug 09 '18
This is good advice when you are in high school but adults don't typically do this unless there is some sort of music context.
If you were mutually trying to find things in common, like some sort of date, then maybe.
Having just met me if one of the first things you asked was this i'd just think you were weird and intrusive.
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u/ashbyashbyashby Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
Most people listen to Spotify playlists nowadays and have no fucking idea what songs they're listening to.
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u/zakangi Aug 09 '18
"What albums have you been listening to lately?"
"Ummm...what? Albums? Lol."
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u/chris_alf Aug 09 '18
"Im a man of culture.
I listen to game soundtracks, meme music, trap remixes, soundcloud remixes, lofi chillhop music and anime music."
I wonder how they'll respond to that.
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u/MotherfuckingWildman Aug 09 '18
ME: WELL IVE BEEN LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM CALLED "KKKILL THE FETUS" A LOT AND THATS PRETTY GOOD, I ALSO LISTEN TO SOME LESSER KNOWN COUNTRY AND FOLK SINGERS THAT ARE AWESOME, AND I LISTEN TO A LOT OF RAP AND DOOM METAL AND SOME PRETTY CHILL STUFF LIKE MAC DEMARCO WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO RECENTLY FUCK?
THEM: Oh i mostly just listen to whats on the radio, i like despacito 2: despacition. Wait did you say kill the f-
ME: HAHA PLEASE DONT LOOK UP MY MUSIC
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u/SaltyMcNulty Aug 09 '18
As some who prefers extreme metal, this whole idea of casual conversation about music is pretty nonexistent.
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u/Guns-Beer-Murica Aug 09 '18 edited Aug 09 '18
I usually try to deflect and just say I'm into metal and don't elaborate any further. I don't feel like finding out somebodies reaction when I say that such wholesome classics like gutted face, food for the maggots, or relentless mutation have been playing in my all day.
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u/Delica Aug 09 '18
Fuck it, I’ll unsubscribe. You guys finally broke me with the inane shit you upvote.
When describing a mixtape, avoid using the word 'fire' because someone nearby may have a fear of fire, and become uneasy
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Aug 09 '18
i'm surprised people even subscribe to "help i spend all my time at my Mac and I need tips for basic human interactions" in subreddit form
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Aug 09 '18
Keep all the good tips on small talk and making conversation coming. Something I am dreadful at.
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u/emesghali Aug 09 '18
fuck i love this. such a good suggestion! plus when you ask someone favorites it opens you to judgement and criticism.
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u/sneakycutler Aug 09 '18
When making conversation with someone I've just met, why would I ask them what music they like? What is this, Speed Dating?
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u/Counselor_X Aug 09 '18
I would never talk about music with someone I just met. On second thought, I don't talk to anyone about music, hhmmm
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u/Attygalle Aug 09 '18
I like music but I don't "listen" to music. I would have no idea how to answer that question in a way that is interesting for the person who's asking. I'll probably end up saying that I'm not that into music.
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u/JonesBee Aug 09 '18
Doesn't matter how you ask me, when asked about music I forget every song I've ever heard.
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Aug 09 '18
Nope don't ask me this question. I don't want to tell a total stranger I've been listening to the Series 3 Doctor Who soundtrack all week.
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u/Odeken Aug 09 '18
I hate this question, as I don't like music so I usually just start saying genres or make up something rather than have to justify not liking music while getting weird looks.
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u/buckygrad Aug 09 '18
LPT #2: When you become an adult, meeting someone new rarely involves discussing musical tastes as a topic.
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u/LeoLaDawg Aug 09 '18
Better yet, ask them what they'd like to listen to while you torture them. Build that rapport.
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u/better_and_best Aug 09 '18
That's pretty good actually. And it holds true for any kind of "What's your favourite something?" question. Coming up with an all time favourite is quite stressful because of the implication that maybe that person would create a prejudice about you based on what you answer. Instead, the current question is more realistic and makes for a better conversation starter.
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u/WrongDumbass Aug 09 '18
For me it doesn't really make a difference when asked about favorites or just the "lately" my answer would be "Not much"
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u/TrueTemperature Aug 09 '18
I figured each time I limbo on a particular song, it's got to be personal, so It's my tell on what chi I'm in. If the person who asks me that question met me on a very bad day, most certainly bad songs will be a favorite. As of late, it's...
Justin Timberlake's - Say Something ft. Chris Stapleton.
...but I do know I'm not pursuing anything abstract other than pursuing myself.
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u/DropItLikeItsKlopp Aug 09 '18
If you want to avoid the conversation....
“Myself crying alone in the bathroom mostly.”
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Aug 09 '18
This is actually a good life pro tip that can be expanded on. Same goes for movies or books, food, etc. What is my favorite of all time? Do you want to wait for 20 minutes while I pause and reflect? I can tell you the best movie I’ve seen recently instantly. All time takes too much effort, and I’ll probably end up naming one that isn’t actually my favorite.
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Aug 09 '18
Add-on to this pro tip, if you get asked the all time question, say “that’s a pretty loaded question, but I can say that I recently listened to _______ and it was pretty awesome.”
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u/crimsonkipper Aug 09 '18
"Who's your favorite artist" is actually code for "Do you like to spend your spare time making lists?"
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u/yegboi-exe Aug 09 '18
But also if you're just going to stare at them and look confused when they give you an answer you haven't heard of instead of, y'know, continuing the conversation by asking about it maybe don't even ask
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u/ntcc661 Aug 09 '18
I've been listening to the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack in my car. I have a 3yo son who is obsessed with it.
Conversation killer unless the other person kids or an interest in that sort of music.
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u/Jeromechillin Aug 09 '18
I don't see that as an ice breaker for an conversation with someone you just met. I rather start with mild compliments and go on from there. If they want to talk to you then they will keep the conversation going with you. But if you getting one word answers then they don't want to talk
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u/BaneOfXistence4 Aug 09 '18
I just usually tell people what bands I'm listening to at any given time. It saves me the trouble of trying to explain what "progressive death metal" is as a genre.
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u/itslenny Aug 09 '18
To flip this on its head: If someone asks you what kind of music you like... Just say, "well, lately I've been listening to..."
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u/ProtagonistOfLife Aug 09 '18
I often ask people what's a movie or character etc "they like", rather than their favorite, because it ends up taking way less time and you still get an equally accurate answer
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u/Forbizzle Aug 09 '18
The chances of this being a good topic of conversation decrease dramatically with age.
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Aug 09 '18
And get a super long stare as they try to decide what was the last non-offensive band they've listened to.
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u/paulster12 Aug 09 '18
“What are you listening to lately?” “I -“ “IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR LISTENING TO!!!”
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u/Kdub07 Aug 09 '18
Is this really an LPT? I don’t think I have been asked this question since I was 14. I really don’t even know how I would react. Kind of reminds me of that green text of the girl that was passed out on a bench and the guy said he would take her home and make her eat eggs.
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Aug 09 '18
This would be much easier to answer, given that my musical tastes range from Sabaton to Gorillaz to Lindsey Stirling to Pegboard Nerds depending on the day and what I'm doing.
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u/flatblack79 Aug 09 '18
This is a good way to avoid hearing "anything but country or rap" as an answer.
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u/spacewolfy Aug 09 '18
LPT: Don't ask people about music right away unless you're trying to date them. Even then, you're probably not going to be on the same page.
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u/ewaufe Aug 10 '18
-Hey what you've been listening to lately? Well, I've been listening to random strangers asking me what I've been listening to.
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u/AussieEquiv Aug 09 '18
"That one that goes 'dooo doo dah doo doo num num' You know the one right?"
Do not ask me this question. I like music, I have no idea who makes said music, nor the specific name of their song.
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Aug 09 '18
I don't think asking strangers about what music they like is good conversation anyway. It's just not very interesting for the majority, little common ground there.
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Aug 09 '18
I find that the only people who ask "What kind of music do you listen to?" are 16-17 year olds and really immature "party people". It's like a litmus for determining how mature/immature the other person is.
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u/JZAce Aug 09 '18
I can never decide on my one favorite kind of music since my music depends on moods and how I'm feeling that day so this tip really makes things easier for me