Last night my wife and I attended a wedding.

As I looked around my table, I began to think about communicating with the people there.

For some reason, I feel almost compelled (spell that “compelled”) to introduce myself (and my wife) to the people I do not know. More than that, I tend to introduce the people I DO know to the people I have now just met. Everyone is now introduced.

Why do I feel this way? What am I, a “social director” or something? I think the answer is yes.

I usually say something like, “Hi! My name is Robert. What are your names?” Of course, I usually forget the people's names very soon. But at least I have made contact. The ice is now broken. There is now some form of “electrical circuit” around the table. I feel better.

So, do I think I'm doing some sort of “good” with these introductions?

Don't most of us secretly (or not secretly) want to meet the people at our table?

Is there anything wrong with that?

I think I'm trying to excuse myself. I know that I am different. My wife tells me that. I am different because I go beyond the average chit-chat of just chatting with my neighbor. I feel I have some sort of responsibility to get the entire table engaged with each other. After all, we ARE at a table together. We ARE the proverbial peas in a pod this evening.

So, the next time you are sitting at a table with your wife, and about 4 or 5 other couples, think about this: Are you satisfied (1) with not introducing yourself to the other couples, (2) not introducing all the couples to each other, and (3) if your answer is “yes” to the aforementioned, how do you FEEL about someone who tries to stir the bucket, and have you meet the other peas in your pod?

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