OnlineBookClub.org

For some reason, when I open a book, everyone around me assumes I can't hear them. As a result, I've heard some interesting things while listening to others' conversations. It's not eavesdropping, it's absorbing information. Anyways, I was wondering- what are some odd things you've overheard?

This one is from about a month ago. I was waiting for an appointment when I heard this from a woman a few feet away, talking to her friend:
"I ate ice cream and cake for breakfast, cuz I'm an adult and I can! I felt sick afterwards..."

I recall an interview with the great Maeve Binchy where she said most of the story lines for her books she gleaned from snippets of overheard converstions in coffee shops, bars, hotel lobbies etc - I'd imagine most authors do that.
The hairdressers or beauticians are great places for eavesdropping

I am always secretly peeking into people's conversations here in Japan, an I have an advantage because often people assume (usually correctly) that I can't speak Japanese. But I can still pick up just enough words here and there, especially when there are children present, and I catch a glimpse into some pretty interesting conversation.

Just today, I overheard a child (maybe age 2 or 3) tell her mom's friend all about how she had used a green crayon at school and she had colored so well that it made her mom and dad happy. She became really skilled at using that green crayon, she said. Cutest conversation ever.

That is so awesome

Check-out lines...very fruitful
Never fail to hear something...

Graverobber wrote:That is so awesome

Check-out lines...very fruitful
Never fail to hear something...

Not forgetting the doctors waiting room .. you could come out of there with a medical degree

I heard my cousin and my sister whispering about how nerdy I am...

-- 22 Jan 2015, 06:56 --

Oh my gosh, your cat profile picture is so cute.

-- 22 Jan 2015, 06:57 --

I have also heard my swim coach talking with another swim coach, and my friends talking about how I am weird to be reading a book at a swim meet.

Two women on the transit...talking in a normal conversational tone

"Well, you know they aren't her real t*ts" (referring to another girl who had just got off at her stop)

Er...NO....but I guess I do now...lol!

ALynnPowers wrote:I am always secretly peeking into people's conversations here in Japan, an I have an advantage because often people assume (usually correctly) that I can't speak Japanese. But I can still pick up just enough words here and there, especially when there are children present, and I catch a glimpse into some pretty interesting conversation.

Just today, I overheard a child (maybe age 2 or 3) tell her mom's friend all about how she had used a green crayon at school and she had colored so well that it made her mom and dad happy. She became really skilled at using that green crayon, she said. Cutest conversation ever.

kids' conversations are the best! I was in the library, and there was a little girl telling her mom about all the books. every few seconds I would hear her in the stacks "Look, mommy, look at this one!" then, "look at this! look, look!" it might not be the most interesting thing in the world, but it was really fun to listen to her enthusiasm!

I have heard that before at our local library you are right, it is so cute! I am happy that another generation of kids love books a much as I do.

Carla Hurst-Chandler wrote:Two women on the transit...talking in a normal conversational tone

"Well, you know they aren't her real t*ts" (referring to another girl who had just got off at her stop)

Er...NO....but I guess I do now...lol!

Hahahah! This reminds me of Time Out London's weekly list of things overheard on the Metro!

adult: Okay, rule one, no throwing things

little boy: I know that! I'm good at that! I'm really good at not throwing things!

mui-scrimp wrote:adult: Okay, rule one, no throwing things

little boy: I know that! I'm good at that! I'm really good at not throwing things!

Gee, I wish I were.

(Just kidding!)

I never overhear anyone, but people always overhear me!! Here's why: my dad is mostly deaf, and I'm half deaf. We can't talk quietly in public. All the neighbors know our business. Likewise, I never overhear anything!! I wish I could!!