> Basically, I am so out of pop culture that there are never any conversation topics beyond the norm - "What's your major?" "How are your classes?" and the like that take about 2 minutes to get through. I feel like a very uninteresting person, even though I know that isn't true. I just have different interests. But all that seems to lead to is a "talk to you later" from the other person, and of course they never DO talk to me later. It drives me up the wall. Am I THAT much of an oddball?

I'm an introverted person, so carrying on a conversation with someone I don't know has been something I've had to work on. One thing that's helped me a lot is asking tons of questions. Most people love talking about themselves - your interest will make them feel special. And you won't have to feel like you need to talk forever on subjects you don't know anything about (and it's a neat way to learn about new things too).

Ga"There's a guy at my college who has mastered the art of making people feel like they're worth so much, largely by asking questions. I always walk away from our conversations feeling better about myself."halia