[Brady]

I often do find myself being the one to start a deep conversation or “breaking the ice”. I feel like this is because I am always looking into the deeper meaning behind things. In some peoples eyes it is perceived as a very good trait, in others not so much. I feel like it is a good quality to have in myself, looking beyond what is just in front of me, and taking in the deeper, emotionally feeling of something. Some people say that it could be looking “too deep” into it, yet the more you know about something or a situation, the wiser you’re going to be about it.

When in group discussion I feel a little different. I usually try to take a leadership role throughout it, not to enforce anything on to anyone or discard their feelings, but to project myself as someone who shows that I’m bought into the conversation and want to hear other peoples thoughts about a situation. Sitting back and observing can be nice to a point, what I mean is you can listen all day, but the second you say something your body gains authority and control over your own mind. You don’t let everyone else’s ideas run your brain, now you are the one talking, thinking, and feeling everything on a deeper level.

[Maria]

I feel very similarly when it comes to this topic. I feel the need to find the deeper meaning of things and most of the time I’m the one initiating the conversation. When this happens, I find it really important to also listen to what the other person is saying, just to get their input on these deeper topics, like you. I like initiating these topics because I get to let all of my thoughts out and express how a topic this makes me feel.

[Ansley]

I agree with this comment, I often find myself looking deeper into questions and have the urge to find an answer. If someone cannot answer my question, I try to research and find the answer myself. I think these are good qualities to have. When talking in group settings it is important to get your point across, but also do it in a kind and respectful way. I feel it is especially important to let others talk and voice their opinions as well.

[CONNOR]

I agree with this and think about it very similarly.

[William]

I often as well find myself starting deep meaningful conversations on the topics of truth, beauty and the meaning of things. I also agree that it is a very good trait to have because it shows you have high emotional intelligence and baseline intelligence; this trait shows you are able to perceive things that are in front of you and take it to a deeper level of understanding instead of taking everything at face value. Also with this trait you are able to understand a wide range of people by bringing up deep cutting questions and really trying to understand their claim you can build a great connection to them rather than just stating obvious claims and becoming an aquatints to them.

I also like to take an authoritative role in a group discussion, and I am usually the first person to share their ideas aloud. Again like you, I don’t want to try to cut someone off or destroy someone else’s opinions, but show I am truly invested in the conversation and not someone in the background. Now, if two classmates are discussing opposing ideas I will sit back and listen to both sides, and then share my opinion on who I think is correct.

[Caroline]

🤔I don’t usually find myself initiating conversations about truth, beauty, or the meaning of life, but if I do stubble upon one of those ideas I find myself listening to what others have to say rather than sharing. While my thoughts on the meaning of life may vary due to non-religious beliefs, I still find myself approaching the conversation with an open mind. As for the beauty of life (that’s how I’m interpreting it) I often find myself started or breaking the ice in conversations to admire the world we live in. However, these conversations don’t pop up often due to people not wanting to engage in deeper conversation.

[KEVIN]

When thinking about questions like ” what is truth” and “the meaning of life,” I usually only think about those things to myself. When I hear others talk about those things, it is always very confusing or viewed in a completely different way than I view the question. Questions as deep as these are viewed differently by everyone. It is hard to have a conversation about these topics because what I think of and how I view truth or life might be completely different and make no sense to someone else. To some there might not be anything to question and they see life as it is. Others might have questions way deeper than me and I could never understand what they are even asking. I do wonder some questions about life and the meaning of certain physiological topics, but I don’t usually talk to other people about it just for the fact that it might not make any sense and we would get no where with the conversation.

[KALIA]

When it comes to talking about truth, beauty and life, I typically am not one to initiate conversation. I am more of an observer and tend to listen to others opinions and thoughts before expressing my own. When I say my own thoughts and input on the conversation it depends on the crowd. If the people I’m observing are close to me I express my opinions, and my efforts are typically received. If I’m not giving my input on conversation I tend not to take away much from it. Whereas a conversation where I’m expressing my opinions, I take much out of and think on the conversation the rest of my day.

[Elizabeth]

Often times if the conversation about the truth, beauty, and the mean of life needs to be talked about, I am not the one initiating it. When I do it is with people that I am very close with, and have deep, meaningful conversations with. I also would when I am very interested in the topic and I have a deep belief and understand the meaning of it fully where I trust myself to talk about it and let people know. I don’t think I know anyone that does, but I think once someone has full trust in a topic they will bring it up if they believe in themselves. I typically play the role that I will put my part of words in when it Is needed but not always initiating it, but mostly just adding on. Typically my participation is only used as needed.

[Ansley]

I agree, I typically only have these conversations with people who I am close to. I think that listening and showing you care is important. However, if I have an opinion that I think should be shared, I think it’s important to say it. When having a deep conversation, it is important that everyone has the opportunity to share their views, even if they oppose one another, just do so with kindness.

[Ansley]

Sometimes when talking with others the conversation becomes more so about truth, beauty, and the meaning of life. Sometimes these talks are initiated by me, but not always, sometimes they are brought about by others. Typically, the person who I am talking to receives the information well and begins to tell their thoughts on the topic. However, sometimes the other person may seem uninterested and tries to avoid the conversation. When this situation occurs I try to respect and be aware of their discomfort, so we change the subject. I try my best to answer their questions, but if I am unsure of the topic I usually explain that I am unfamiliar with it or just listen. When engaging in these conversations I try to show that I respect others’ opinions and try to contribute my own when I can.

[Tamzin]

I agree with you! It takes me a second to realize that the conversation has steered in the direction of discomfort or disinterest for the other person, but after that I lay it down and we talk about something else. Although, I do still find myself thinking about why they could be uncomfortable or not interested after something specific has been said.

[RYAN]

Typically I do not “break the ice” or initiate conversations about truth, beauty, and the meaning of life. I’m not the type of person to open up like that. Although, I do know people who do and I listen to them. I may not be the type of person to bring these topics up, but I am always willing to listen and discuss. I don’t “break the ice” but I will certainly keep the conversation lasting for hours.

[Hayden Claire]

Discussing topics such as “truth, beauty, and the meaning of life” is something I typically initiate with those I am close to. I find myself to be a naturally curious person, so conversations discussing these topics occasionally arise from me. I have always been curious about things like space, time, and what comes after our time on Earth. Those I talk to often entertain my theories or ideas, by adding onto what I say and allowing us to go deeper into conversations. These discussions are always very insightful for helping me learn more about others and their beliefs, but they often leave me even more curious than I was to begin with.

[Tamzin]

Normally, I am the person who brings those topics up. I normally do it by asking my friends’ opinions on a certain subject, and then I’ll ask them questions and a conversation will start from there. I want to learn about other perspectives and try to find deeper meaning behind certain beliefs that people hold. Sometimes my efforts can be viewed as judgment if I disagree with the person I’m talking to, but I try my best to make sure they know that I’m not judging. Other times it’s seen as curiosity.

In group discussions about these topics, I try my best to participate, and most of the time I do. I tend to fall into a leadership role, like I’ll ask questions to people who don’t normally speak so they can participate, but other times it’s fun to just listen and observe how others view the topic and how they behave while talking about it, and sometimes it’s easier to just participate when I want to and not worry about other people. It really just depends for me personally.

[CECILIA]

Normally, I do not find myself initiating conversation about “truth, beauty, and the meaning of life.” This isn’t merely because I instigate few conversations, it’s because usually my conversations do not reach serious topics. My conversations normally are focused on certain school events or certain aspects of my life that stood out to me and I feel I need to share them. When I am around a large group and topics are being discussed, I will find myself following along with these conversations and adding ideas when I feel they are necessary. In a group setting, I am not the instigator, I just focus on carrying on the conversation. Although, when I am a smaller setting with fewer people, I tend to instigate conversations more because smaller groups make the discussions feel more private and I feel I am able to share more personal situations. Therefore, my conversations tend to focus on less serious topics, but can be instigated by me or others depending on the setting.