Irrationality
One of my favorite ice-breaker type questions is: What makes you irrationally angry? As often as I find myself in groups as a leader, sitting around an aid station waiting for a runner, or backstage at a rehearsal, this question comes up fairly frequently.
I love the question because it allows people the freedom to rant about a topic that impacts them deeply (or they at least have strong feelings on) while knowing it’s a bit ridiculous.
People can be hesitant to answer at first, or claim that “all their anger is rational.” When I have to push, I use my own answer as an example.
Oscillating fans.
WHY DO YOU WANT AIR BLOWING ON YOU ONLY PART OF THE TIME?? IT MAKES MY BABY HAIR FLY AROUND AND TICKLE MY HEAD AND GET IN MY EYES!!! HAVE A FAN OR DON’T HAVE A FAN, BUT DON’T HAVE ONE ONLY HALFWAY!
This usually gets people laughing, and me told that oscillating fans are great and cool off better and a million other reasons I should like them (I still don’t.)
Other good answers I’ve heard: French cut green beans (WHY ARE WE CUTTING THEM DOWN THE MIDDLE AND MAKING THEM THINER???) Bowling (EVERYONE TAKES IT TOO SERIOUSLY OR NOT SERIOUSLY ENOUGH, AND I’M TRYING TO WIN!) People who use more than one paper towel in a public bathroom (IT’S KILLING THE ENVIRONMENT, SHAKE OFF YOUR HANDS, THEN USE ONE!)
With summer hang season upon us, don’t be afraid to get the party riled up by asking this question. It really gets people talking and laughing. The world is dark and divided. But the focus on “irrational” allows people to let off some steam over inconsequential things.
I’m very grateful that I can get people laughing when I go off about people not recycling, or slow walkers taking up the whole sidewalk, or off-leash dogs, or people talking on speaker phone in the store, or a million other things.
We don’t all want to hear your conversation, Megan!
Your dog isn’t that friendly, Stuart!
People are trying to pass by, Carl, Lucy, and Frank!
It takes minimum effort to sort out recyclables, Toby!*
*these are all made-up names
Don’t get me started on people who don’t use headphones in public, either! YouTube videos are not for all to listen to!
Ok, I’m off for a run to blow off some steam ; )
Embrace the irrationality, folks! Life’s more fun when we can laugh at ourselves.