The Project

Julia stared at him in disbelief. "You're not overweight at all," she objected. She didn't comment on the nerd thing because obviously he did have nerd-like traits. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

"I lost weight after college when I started swimming three times a week," he explained.

"But…you have had a girlfriend, right?" She asked carefully. She didn't want him to think there was something wrong but being a virgin but she just had to know.

"Yes, in college," he said. She breathed a sigh of relief. "But it didn't work out. But I still can't seem to talk to girls that I like."

Julia smiled at his slightly undiplomatic statement. "You're talking to me now. I'm a girl," she pointed out.

Steven looked quickly. "That doesn't mean I don't like you," he said earnestly. "I mean…uh…you're easy to talk to, so this doesn't count."

"Steven," she laughed. "Good conversation skills don't always come naturally. There are techniques you can practice which will make it much easier."

"Yeah? Like what?" he asked curiously.

"Like active listening, for example. Have you heard of that?" He shook his head so she explained it. "Active listening involves listening to what the other person says and then paraphrasing it or asking clarifying questions."

"Ok…" he said dubiously. Julia decided a demonstration was in order. "Here, let me show you. I'll start a conversation and then actively listen to you." She paused and thought for a moment. "Tell me about this trip to Asia you're saving up for."

"Ok. I'm, uh, hoping to go to Indonesia later this year," he said self-consciously.

"Indonesia, huh? Have you been there before?"

"No, it will be my first real trip overseas."

"That sounds exciting. What are you planning to do there?" Julia asked.

"I want to see the rainforest and national parks and the water villages. And I've read the markets are really amazing too." He started to sound more animated and had a far-away look in his eyes.

"Oh, I love Asian markets. Are you looking to buy something in particular?"

"Something in particular? No, not really. But they do make a lot of carved teak furniture over there, so I might find something nice to ship back home." Steven smiled and actually made direct eye contact for a change. He was obviously looking forward to the trip.