The FORD Method for the Socially Awkward
At this time of year, social occasions are inevitable. I, as a morbidly obese person, found social interactions awkward. I had no idea who these people were, so how could I converse with them? And then I discovered the FORD method. By remembering that simple acronym, I now had the ability to do what I did best: be quiet, smile, and nod while listening and learning. F—Family. Ask anything about their family. Are they going home for the holidays or will relatives be showing up on their door? By the time you exhaust this subject, who knows how late it might be? You'll be shown pictures of the kids, the dog, last year's trip to Aspen, and all you have to do is smile and admire. Sometimes laugh at the dog with the reindeer horns and reference Grinch's dog Max. O- Occupation. Ask about what they do for a living or any good side hustles. Do they work as a programmer by day and drive for Uber at night? Maybe you'll find a new business to patronize, and don't forget to a...