Two to three times per week I walk about six miles within the community. I walk the same route each time so in all honesty, I look for things to keep
me from becoming bored. Over the last two to three years, I’ve decided to do some very unofficial and invalid research. I have been counting the number of “Stop and Chats,” and the causes of same.
I use the Larry David (Seinfeld producer) model of the “stop and chat,” meaning during exercise, the exerciser stops periodically to have a conversation with one or more persons and the conversation lasts for more than one minute (it’s more than a nod or acknowledgement, sentences are actually exchanged, and one or more parties participate, and they’re not necessarily human). Once operationalized, I can quantify the number of “Stop and Chats,” which vary in length.
Number 1 on the most frequent type of “stop and chat” is the one that involves someone’s dog(s). Dog admirers may or may not pet the animal but do discuss the type of dog and its origins. Number 2 on the list are someone’s grandchildren. Whether being pushed in a stroller or walking with parents and grandparents, this is a major cause of a stop and chat and although less frequent, a combo of pet and grandchild blows the top off the stop and chat numbers. The third reason for a “stop and chat,” is the desire to talk to someone you haven’t seen for a while (length of time between visits varies from someone you haven’t seen since last night’s event to someone who you haven’t seen since last season). The fourth reason for a stop and chat is to admire someone’s flowers, holiday decorations, or new car in the driveway. This category refers to property not people.
In closing, please let me reassure you that the “stop and chat” is alive and well in HP, and I will continue to update my research as long as I‘m able to walk and/or bike.
