Rory Gibson: Women talk ‘like a tree full of lorikeets’, why men should do the same

Columnist Rory Gibson says women talk like ‘a tree full of lorikeets’ when they’re together but men should do the same.

One morning I was sitting in the sun at my fave cafe reading the paper when a group of about ten women pulled a couple of tables together nearby and ordered coffees.

Given they were all kitted out in active wear I guessed they’d been for a walk or the gym or something admirable like that. Good work girls.

For the next half-hour I was privy to a graphic illustration of one of the differences between men and women — the way we talk to each other.

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I swear all of them were chatting at once for the entire time. The sound reminded me — and I don’t use this comparison in any demeaning way — of a tree full of lorikeets jostling for nectar.

I tried to hear what they were talking about but it was too hard to focus on any particular strand of conversation, because there appeared to be several.

Soon they were gone, and quiet returned.

I marvelled at what a brilliant bit of social interaction it must have been for them. So vibrant and happy — but complex. I couldn’t get my head around the aural dexterity required for such a riotous conclave.

Men don’t do that. We tend to take it turns to hold court, or say nothing at all, just happy in each other’s company.

You’ll see (or, more accurately, hear) these differences played out at any dinner party or barbecue where the inevitable aggregation occurs, men gravitating towards the company of men, women gathering on their side of the gender fence. The perfumed end of the table or lawn is always the most garrulous.

We as men can learn from women’s social skills and habits. We need to talk and listen more, and see each other more.

Too many blokes abrogate the responsibility for their social health to their wives/girlfriends/pets.

When they find themselves on their own later in life, as many inevitably do, they don’t have any friends.

Writing this column has brought unexpected rewards — because my email address is on the end, lapsed friends I have not seen or heard from for decades have got in touch, much to my delight.

Do the same fellas — go and find your old mates. Maybe not in active wear though.