The Ultimate Test of Your Social Skills

You’ll know you’ve truly become socially adept when you finally manage to make small talk with that most challenging and unforgiving of characters: a small child you hardly know.
Enjoying our KZbin videos? Get full access to all our audio content, videos, and thousands of thought-provoking articles, conversation cards and more with The School of Life Subscription: t.ly/7DmMD
Be more mindful, present and inspired. Get the best of The School of Life delivered straight to your inbox: t.ly/2u3UN
FURTHER READING
“It can be easy to imagine we possess reasonable social skills, because we know how to maintain a conversation with strangers and - every now and then - manage to make a whole table laugh.
But there’s a test far sterner than this, surprising in its ability to trip us up: the challenge of having a pleasant time with a child we don’t know. Theoretically speaking, this should be so easy. We were all once kids. We know a great deal more than they do and - as far as they’re concerned - hold all the cards: if we felt like it, we could buy 26 packets of biscuits and go to bed whenever we wanted…”
You can read more on this and other subjects here: goo.gl/9APsau
MORE SCHOOL OF LIFE
Watch more films on RELATIONSHIPS in our playlist:
bit.ly/TSOLrela...
SOCIAL MEDIA
Feel free to follow us at the links below:
Facebook: / theschooloflifelondon
X: / theschooloflife
Instagram: / theschooloflifelondon
CREDITS
Produced in collaboration with:
Martin Pickles
martinpickles.com/ #TheSchoolOfLife

[@HarunFarah]

The actual test is reading the story on the screen while listening to the narrator.

[@levy5867]

IKR

[@ItsKrusTV]

harun farah That's a really easy test.

[@sweetcakes2048]

harun farah 😂 ikr!

[@OMIMreacts]

harun farah yeah haha, didn't comprehend anything of what was being said in the first third. Had to watch twice, once without looking at the screen

[@alejrandom6592]

I need a poo

[@Nick_Lamb]

"they don't ask polite questions, they don't have feeling for our lives, they don't do the news and the weather..." Oh fiddle sticks, I might be a kid.

[@cujocujocujo]

Mood

[@sunnydforfree7145]

😆😆

[@zano9291]

My subconscious: Always has been

[@nterbeastro-slayers9528]

That was exactly what I was thinking

[@ThorOdinson1269]

You might feel like you're different/isolated, that was my issue

[@sonarbuge7958]

The ultimate test: >can you hold a conversation with the hairdresser

[@xzonia1]

I just want the haircut. I've actually tipped less to hairdressers who insist on talking after I've indicated I don't want to talk.

[@nik1128]

I am at the salon right now, it's so awkward lol

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

People generally (in my experience) only blather on in small talk until you speak up and ask something pointed. If you don't want to talk about the weather, and they don't necessarily know what you do want to talk about...(especially business people) they will either prattle on with each other or other people to neglect you until you decide to get noticed... So it's a hairdresser... maybe nuclear rocketry isn't the subject to focus on for a worthwhile conversation... But you might bring up horses, or family BS... Everyone deals with some kind or other of family BS, inter-family difficulties, or full-on feuding in the ranks, or even the hereditary type of "you must be your daddy's boy" crap... Maybe the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, but it's not always the obvious near-proximity either. Most hair dressers I've ever visited have considerably more on their minds than they let on, until you find the right button to push. (that same "any" key from the dialogues on your PC usually has a verbal form) :o)

[@CRO-Palacinke-D.C]

Josip Čondić Jurkić thanks, wouldn't be able to write it down more accurately than you did.

[@nicolleakua50]

My hairdresser speaks French so I pick up some, also I get my hair braided so I'm there for hours - would be awkward if we didn't talk at all 😂

[@dirkdiggler2430]

Me: well.. I'm off to practice socializing with kids at the park. Police officer: you have the right to remain silent!!

[@AA-ei7pu]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Jdabomb93]

“FBI OPEN UP!” “But I am opening up! I’ve been very vulnerable with these kids!”

[@lebz752]

“Officer please! It’s the kid’s fault”

[@dirkdiggler2430]

@rose against the law as well. 😆

[@mifnp8887]

LOL!!🤣👊

[@DJNHmusic]

I find myself disagreeing some with this video. Adults can be a much tougher test of your social skills than children. Children are more predictable in what they want and how they behave and don't set up barriers complex enough that you'd have to try very hard to get under their skin. Adults on the other hand, riddled with insecurities and anxieties can be a much tougher nut to crack.

[@xzonia1]

Agreed

[@ashablue78]

Nejc Havaši true, but kids don't know small talk

[@thorr18BEM]

Nejc Havaši , so do you regularly have pleasant times with children you don't know?

[@deanrichard1770]

Nejc Havaši it's easy to get under a kids skin you tell them they are wrong when they are clearly correct

[@DJNHmusic]

Asha it's irrelevant. They don't know awkward silence either so it's unnecessary.

[@NathanCashion]

I vehemently disagree. It is so much easier to talk with small children precisely for the reasons mentioned in the video. Because children aren't good at small talk, you aren't forced to navigate the tricky & sensitive waters of 'polite conversation' which often serves no purpose but to convince an adult that you are harmless. In most cases, children answer questions honestly without pretense. I easily get along well with children, but I struggle with almost all adults. I often find myself escaping to hang with the kids rather than continue forcing an uncomfortably polite conversation with adults.

[@burymebelowawillowtree9243]

Nathan Cashion Word!

[@Zanderthegrape]

Same here! I work at a preschool and I'm with the kids most of the time. Which is nice because I get to bond with them and I don't have to always talk to the fake co-workers gossiping all the time lol

[@danielm793]

Ever tried acting less harmless?

[@AwesomeComps23]

couldn't agree more...!

[@angeltesfayexo6909]

You have spoken the Truth

[@KevsUploads]

Children are easy. Adults are anxiety attacks

[@Elkx2121]

Both children and adults are terrible. The best is old people.

[@undeadpresident]

Fuck people.

[@KevsUploads]

Elif madness, old people carry their worries with them, abs fret about it everyday.

[@TheTorridestCheese]

Agreed.

[@nuclearcoil]

Old people are the worst for me. They don't learn anything new about changing world and never understand me. The children are the easiest.

[@TheAnarchist99]

I'm shy around kids , boys , girls , teenagers , young adults , middle aged adults , elders and even family ,and I have always been like this , so I'm pretty screwed up ain't I ?

[@deltaxcd]

Yes, you are screwed op but don't wory when you will start hating everyone all that shyness will go away

[@dukes1993724]

You're screwed bro time to get the lube

[@MissSunshineHS]

Julian Rosero me too. :(

[@Storm17ify]

I understand how you feel. I don't why its so hard for me to strike up a conversation with someone, even a family member.

[@deltaxcd]

I think I have a cure for this problem: register on f-list, create another character and do some roleplaying this will be great opportunity to learn how to do approach and how to keep a conversation, also you will get used to nonstop rejections and learn how to identify people who actually will not reject you.

[@m35926]

It's hard to converse with children when you're legally obligated to stay 500ft away from them

[@Bobelponge123]

The Passionly Passionate Nightman lol

[@englishpizza7580]

The Passionly Passionate Nightman I can't tell if your being serious or not

[@maxinus.decimus.meridius3rd]

Well thts concerning

[@Kalenz1234]

Pure gold

[@weirdokiller123126]

Your username makes so much sense now...

[@ForsakenPixel]

I find it easier to talk to children than adults. Adults seem to have walls built around them.. children on the other hand are open and carefree.

[@Kyleology]

Why did that chick leave a total stranger in her home with her kids? She doesn't even know the guy's name!

[@audreyandremington5265]

Because the story gods ordained it to be so.

[@skarbuskreska]

well in the test of ones social skills she definitely failed

[@endlessdrive8421]

As someone who worked for 5 years as tennis coach for juniors and 2 years as a Kumon teacher, I actually found it easier to get along with kids. Kids, esp. when they are young, lack the life context to truly judge people more than at surface level therefore it is much easier to gain their trust by being open and honest to them. Also you learn very quickly that the key to getting along with them is to become a mentor...not necessarily the "adult". They understand you're an adult relative to them, but by being a mentor, you give them a chance to feel more open and free to be themselves around you and in doing so, they will often become more engaged with what you have to say. Working/spending time with kids is about them wanting and feeling comfortable in engaging with you as much as it is you engaging with them. I work in the corporate world now, but I do miss the fulfillment of working with and mentoring kids, all I ever wished for was to pass down my knowledge to help them to become good people.

[@markmunyui]

Dear God. Guys we need to donate or the animations will keep digressing to stick figures and eventually dots that talk in emoji's

[@Dubois_tada]

VisualsFromMark lmao I think this style of cartooning was on purpose

[@theschooloflifetv]

Thanks for your concern: it would be great if you were tempted to buy a book.

[@markmunyui]

The School of Life on my way now 🏃🏾

[@FROBcom]

VisualsFromMark Digressing? We better donate to buy you a dictionary. 😂

[@god8063]

Stop calling me motherfucker, I'm busy jackin it.

[@wydawg4810]

The trick is to memorize a bunch of random facts and stories. I tell them to anyone I don’t want to talk with. By the way did you know that some jellyfish can change their own age at will

[@animeandstuff5377]

Bruh I worked as a camp worker and kids are easy to talk to just tell them stories

[@hasukihusky3428]

Oh I knew that, the inmortal jellyfish

[@etoatoummhmm6391]

Shaun Hayes “at the time? but turned back into a child, and kept claiming she was 18 you say. Tell it to judge!”

[@AA-ei7pu]

Shaun Hayes lmaooo😭😭

[@Jdabomb93]

“Squirtle Squirtle!”

[@likeiscream]

Do you have games on your phone?

[@IonicAtom]

the next thing that happens is that the kid steals your phone ´till the battery dies

[@burymebelowawillowtree9243]

Can i download a game in your phone “? .....yep it happens. But frankly I don’t mind.

[@vrpnblstr3441]

Solution : Don't own a smartphone.

[@tomfanning8319]

Who did this

[@kcufeht5795]

Here's some fireworks. I need my lighter but you can walk to the store to buy your own.

[@cjiscool8668]

I actually have anxiety around kids too. I find it's easiest to talk to really old people

[@xzonia1]

I would say it's a blessing if you're good around old people, as far too many people in our society today shun the elderly. Play to your strengths! There are far too many people who go gaga for kids these days, anyway. We need more people who are willing to spend time with the elderly. Give them the joy of your company.

[@galaxysnot6276]

Cj Iscool I struggle talking to anyone who's not between 19 and 29 years old.

[@manuelalonsodominguezvazqu2145]

Cj Iscool The same here.

[@deltaxcd]

It may be easy to talk to old people because they are not different than talking to the wall. But I wonder how does it feel when you talk to someone and get an almost no response at all, it is not even possible to tell if that person can hear you. Maybe the situation is different if you talk to the active people whom you meet outside.

[@amoney2570]

It's easy to talk to old people. Just be polite, and ask them about their lives. They have enough experiences and stories to talk for hours you barely have to do the talking.

[@Araanor]

i don't know how to hold a conversation with a stranger.

[@Araanor]

I know, I am. And I am getting better, just went through How to win friends and influence people, pretty helpful book. Do you have any recommendations ?

[@mehgamer467]

honestly the hardest thing is just practice. Alot of the time you can just talk about the place you are at (amusement park, casino, park, etc) and go from there. Just random thoughts or questions that branch off of what you said. If they engage then awesome. You guys should feed off of each other and generally best way is to show that you are somewhat interested in what they are saying. they seem uninterested then just move on. Try not to use "ender" words that end conversations immediately unless you have another topic in mind or want to leave. Don't leave the other person hanging is what I mean. biggest thing is just not to beat yourself over if a convo doesn't go well or just falls flat. You have far more people to talk to :).

[@Araanor]

haha yea, talking about the weather is always weird for me, people here in Denmark are generally always dissatisfied with the weather, unless it's clear skies and the sun is shining, but even then they complain about it being to hot. i'm generally satisfied with pretty much any weather that doesn't kill me so even small talk can be disagreeable.

[@Araanor]

thanks. "talk about the place you are at" was a great suggestion that i hadn't really thought about :). i pretty much know most of the basics. but putting it into action, and encouraging people to talk about their interests makes me a bit anxious, but i'm definitely going to try :D. i know rejection isn't nearly as bad as it feels so it's just a matter of going out there and to it!

[@mehgamer467]

Araanor I love your attitude! I've been shy most of my life until I started working in a restuaraunt. I wouldn't mind talking, but I couldn't engage and got by just on being a good listener. After awhile of forcing myself and being forced to engage in conversation I felt more confident and love talking. Even if you aren't a great talker, the world definitely needs better listeners. That can get you pretty far on it's own and most of the time (fortunately/unfortunately) the other person also does all the talking, so you don't have to worry. But some people also drag on and on lol. You obviously know this, but just make sure you seem like you are interested. Some people might take you just saying "yeah I agree" constantly as *this person is just being rude*. Talking is one thing, but actually feeling like you are being heard is what really matters imo. I wish you all the best! Rejection is tough, but we can't get stronger without putting ourselves in awkward positions.

[@dusanmelentijevic2284]

I don't care if modern "philosophers" say this is fake philosophy or someone says it's phony. This is the philosophy I want to live by and learn from. Thank you, School Of Life.

[@mariee_e]

Same Q actually, genuinely curious!^

[@StrawberryNinjaNibbles]

How can there be “fake” philosophy? Isn’t it just a way of thinking of things?

[@mariee_e]

StrawberryNinja Nibbles Yeah that’s what I was confused about. I met someone on discord that said something along the same lines about the School of Life, and I was like ? Like philosophy is only from people in the Aristotle time?? Lol

[@dazzlingdexter5060]

This video is a lie though. Most adults who can socialize with adults have a different skill set. Some people can socialize with kids and animals. Children and animals require openess and compassion. It's different when talking with adults.

[@aliciavar306]

Personally, I have always found children easier to talk to than adults. Children are much more straightforward and simpler. I find that adult's often say one thing, but often they are implying something else. There are also so many more rules and rituals you need to follow. Kids seem to like you as long as you are being your true self.

[@musicandpoetry_8]

Yeah, it’s like you don’t have to talk about more intellectual subjects so it’s kept at a basic level, takes the pressure off and you feel more comfortable

[@fenrirgg]

Kids are so open to talking and saying whatever is in their minds, when I was a kid I wasn't like that at all, I barely talked to grown ups and developing a friendship took me months or an entire year.

[@75vasso]

being around kids is easier - they are sincere and straight forward, and you know what to expect from them. the adults are mostly boring or difficult to understand many times. how is it the ultimate test?

[@MissEugeniaS]

I'm a socially awkward person and i get along with kids way better. They don't judge, they ask bright questions. Adults are harder task.

[@jayfawn8478]

There is stigma on western societies that a grown ass adult(especially men) shouldn't interact to stranger kids. very bad idea to test your social skills

[@Hip.Username]

jay fawn I just replied to someone else about this, but as long as you keep a safe distance and don't say anything innapropriate and also acknowledge that the parent is there, it shouldn't be weird to say something to a kid. People interact with my 4 year old, she's naturally shy but because I encourage it she feels safer and holds conversations while in the checkout line or at the doctor's office. Parents who don't let adults talk to their kid's while they're standing there are idiots, like wtf do you think will happen?

[@yurisonovab3892]

For real. I'm playing with my kids at a park, some random kid walks up to me crying talking about his brother being mean to him. I just listen to what he has to say for a minute, and the kid's dad is like "it's time to go!" Giving me looks and shit. I literally only listened to someone crying and got that stigma.

[@slaymarie_rdh_2B]

jay fawn thought I was crazy for thinking this.

[@gabemerritt3139]

There is and it is quite sad

[@kedabro1957]

@The Absolute Madman The Absolute Madman Depends how you look compared the parent's idea of what an ideal man looks like. Definitely don't look gay or poor or unhappy. But don't look too enthusiastic either. Also don't bother if your face looks odd. Hollywood has always cast weird-looking men as pedophiles, and most people believe what they watch. Also, some parents are dicks to their kids, so their kids will fawn over any adult who treats them with basic respect. This makes asshole parents jealous, because they long ago stopped earning that kind of response from their child. Even if they're not abusive, some parents feel no obligation or have no ability to show interest in their child's obsessions. The parent may have such narrow interests and such an inability to speak outside those interests, they thought their kid would be a captive audience. Such parents are disappionted when their kid branches out to something else, and furious at any adult who can carry on a conversation about it with their kid. Of course, this just proves the title of the video in a different way. The true test of your social skills is "Can you present yourself in a way that a child's parent perceives you as no threat?" Its like a job interview, except your life is on the line.

[@lalitsharma1453]

Lol adults are way harder

[@xzonia1]

Agreed

[@revenant2943]

I find that avoiding people in general seems to be the easiest route.

[@mapagatu]

What? I'm great with kids because I feel they cut the bullshit and go straight to what matters as opposed to adults who indulge in horribly confusing and tedious social rituals which I have zero patience and understanding of.

[@gabemerritt3139]

This ^

[@kedabro1957]

Welcome to autism. Lots of us here today.

[@dandre3K]

@@kedabro1957 It's not autism to be annoyed by unnecessary bs, it's autism if you don't recognize it.

[@quitzytwentythree2512]

I quite like talking to kids. I work in a service profession and have to interact with them a lot. They're funny and spontaneous. I like them better than most adults.

[@jcherry875]

Am I the only one who thinks the animation fits the video?

[@theschooloflifetv]

We think so!

[@doitlive1279]

Pretty sure the people who made it do...

[@HorribleSonofa]

cherry875 - until 3:43, at which point I was suddenly confused/concerned about a child being involved.

[@Rachulie]

HorribleSonofa well it was Socrates so

[@antebellum606]

Child drawings cues us to see things through the eyes of a child, so it is apropos indeed.

[@dawnriddler]

Never had this problem..kids love me for some reason..which is strange cause i am not such a fan of them.

[@atypical_moto]

dawnriddler I can relate to that. I barely said two words to the kid but now I'm "uncle Kenny". It's like walking through a dog shelter with bacon in your pocket but you're allergic to dogs.

[@biglegsman8414]

Lol same

[@hnyii]

Interesting, 'cos: same.

[@thiagozlin]

Maybe that's why they like you. I think that kids don't like being patronized and treated like babies, like many adults treat them. So someone listens to them and actually disagrees with what they say instead of just nodding and calling them cute is really cool for them.

[@jazzy364]

Fuck. I'm shit at talking to kids.

[@hellno9072]

Toast I guess I'm a toast to 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@GreatJobTy]

My channel is dedicated to MASTERING confidence and social skills, and other marketable skills that are applicable to all development. Interested?????? come to my channel then.

[@matsuokaemily]

Toast me too!

[@jadisjoy]

Toast Oh God! What a toast

[@joshandrews5134]

It's easy. Just bring up Minecraft.

[@user-gi2kq5iu5l]

I actually found the part where the french king is on all fours quite funny... who ever draws the animations for these are clever

[@Darima2]

I relate to this so much. I find it so much easier to talk to kids at their level because of how direct they are, there's no social niceties to wade through which I hate. I love intellectual conversations with adults but hate mindless chit chat but I know it's necessary to get through life.

[@flogertadriza4703]

I love kids, and they love me, I'm a part time teacher, yet I know how to enter their world, I know how to bond with them. No matter where or when. Thanks to this ability, I not only play with them, but also teach them how to be decent people, because if you teach the right things to kids, they'll grow up to be very good adults. Kindness, hard work, a little imagination and fun, and you have helped in creating a loving member of society in the future. Teachers should be respected more, because the role that we have is so greatly installed in their brains, that if we aren't a good example, then we haven't fulfilled the purpose of our job, profession and purpose of life. We're all teachers, wether as parents, friends, co-worker, boss etc. We teach each other new things, yet we learn more from kids than any other adult. Kids are always the new generation, they're the new perspective we once were.

[@theself5738]

Teachers like you should be respected more. As for a good number of teachers and caretakers who actually hate children, nope.

[@VonHautkopf]

What are you talking about? Children are easier than adults. They don't judge you. Even if they don't like you at first, or they act super shy, you just have to play with them or ask them some basic questions about their stuff, and 30 min later you'll be their favourite person in the room. They value kindness and good humour, and the simplest things in life. I wish everyone were more like children, the world would be a better place.

[@ridethelapras]

Lady Von Hautkopf Jesus was on to something with His "of such is the kingdom of heaven" principle.

[@myysticranger]

My mother ran a daycare out of our home for 30 years. I was surrounded by children for most of my own childhood. I guess that is why I have great social skills.

[@eyesinthesky4731]

I'm the opposite because i have autism. I cant speak that well to adults but i can speak to kids.

[@twintwail]

So does My little brother, and he acts the same he only ever wants to talks to kids since his autisim :)

[@DarkWandererAU]

Is that because kids don't walk on eggshells with you like some adults would?

[@theannoyinglywittytrollwho2880]

DarkWandererAU because little kids are inherently open minded and are very much likely to play and giggle along with you; while most adults would write you off as a weirdo.

[@DarkWandererAU]

+English_Wulf yeah pretty much what I meant. Adults when having to converse with you, would be polite and try not to act like they think you're a weirdo. Whereas children don't even think in those terms, they will converse with anyone without judgement. My older brother has aspergers, so socially he struggles. He does struggle even with children, but he has mentioned how easy they are to talk to & how he never feels judged.

[@ydweroostenveld4049]

I'm the same, I hate social chit-chat and love to be silly

[@mercysonkip3291]

Children have pure soul...we can feel it through their eyes..and its amazing to be with them....when we gain their trust...

[@TollfreenumberORG]

For some socially awkward people, getting along with children is much easier than socializing with other adults.

[@kuankuan27]

The way to social with all children is to hold them upside down.

[@TheMarioMen1]

Adults are harder, kids are quick & to the point without giving time or second thought for sugar coating anything

[@hauntedwafflecake]

It's not the kids themselves I have problems dealing with, is the parents. Whenever I'm with kids, I'm constantly wary of what I may or may not be allowed to do when interacting with them, or even if it's okay to interact at all if I'm in a public place. I've been told off by people for letting my dog interact with their dog, let alone for talking to a child who seems interested in my handheld game. Interacting is just not worth the headache, so I'll only ever do it if I'm explicitly given permission, even to adults.... only talk if I'm talked to first.

I watched once to read the on-screen dialogue and a second time to actually listen to what Alain was saying.

[@Alpha13733]

I've been a recess teacher for over a year, it learns you great amounts about how to connect and communicate with kids. Would recommend to anyone.

[@cjiscool8668]

I have social anxiety so I can't even say more than 2 words to people

[@xzonia1]

Most people like someone who's a good listener, anyway. So just listen and don't worry about what to say.

[@deltaxcd]

+xzonia1 Not really. Unless a good listener is someone who is not only playing dead but actually responding properly what is actually harder than talking yourself.

[@DarkWandererAU]

Social anxiety is a double edged sword, it ruins interactions for you & for those you are having them with

[@hunorendrevizi1483]

Kids are so easy to socialize with. You just need to find something they are interested in and start talking and teaching them about that stuff.. then playing a bit and later changing the topic of discussion subtly to make it more mathematical. Then show them some cool math stuff that is actually cool the first time you check it out.. then do whatever because they will listen to you and you can teach them easily afterwards.

[@DaniG._.German]

I have social anxiety and quite frankly, children are the easiest people to talk to. Also, children know damn well why they love Frozen.

[@VerryLongName]

Understanding age groups might be a good start to being able to communicate effectively with people

[@Porcay]

You have a place in Istanbul? That's awesome I definitely am going to check it soon.

[@mertcanaltay3722]

Reyiz ne arıyorsun burda .d?

[@teaskovski336]

Güzelmiş. Şimdi sus ve video yap.

[@simpleman7203]

The ultimate test: Can you hold a conversation with dentist while he's doing his work

[@yael4627]

I can, if I'm a nurse

[@bradtheunchad3192]

My dentist always does that. Always asking me questions while he's elbow deep in my mouth.

[@zeholandajunior]

Thanks for Spanish subtitles. From a Brazilian guy.

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

Social Anxiety makes Me just enough with all the Socializing

[@ilhamonytube]

Hi, would you do a video about how to get social and emotional validation as an adult, if you didn't get much as a child? Thank you

[@theschooloflifetv]

Absolutely, this is a key theme for us. Check out our film on INNER VOICES.

[@truthdonut995]

The really true at the end about friendship. I remember being around people and they always seemed so uptight and could never put their ego aside. Friends are one of the few people you should have no ego with

[@TheOrbitalDropShock]

It's rather easy to have a pleasent time with a kid. All one has to do is to be willing to play and to pay attention.

[@trenzinhodaalegria8012]

I can see why it is hard as people get used to being adults and they forget how they used to think as children but in all honesty I often act as a child, people ask me why I like things and I try hard to explain but it is easier for me to just be very blank and state that I simply like things... My blank responses often disappoint people.

[@chrisd4504]

Pretty sure that most strangers won't like me talking to their children. Forever alone :(

[@Hip.Username]

Chris D As long as there's no touching or offering to get into vehicles I'm ok with people talking to my kid. It gives her practice for being polite and having a conversation. You're doing parents a favor!

[@joelgonzales8342]

I come from the Stranger Danger! days, where we were taught to NEVER talk to stranger . I think it screwed alot of us up.

[@AlexVoxel]

The amazing thing about kids is that they can play with literally everything, once you understand that you can become a kid too

[@AGI1234]

I had an uncle moment yesterday; when I was pushing my almost 3 year old nephew on his balance bike and push car after. He randomly gave me a hug 20 minutes after. My mom and I were surprised. My Mom told my sister (his mother) "He (meaning me) doesn't get much hugs." Then my mom tried to play off what she said; but it was too late. Lol it was a roller coaster moment full emotions.

[@gigglegigglecentral9560]

I listen to The School of Life every time I can't go to sleep. Shit cures my insomnia real quick.

[@Szchandler]

the smaller the ego, the easiest to socialize with someone. To talk to drunk people, small kids and sometimes old people is the best social experience. And to socialize with animals is even better.

[@punkseth1]

I immediately began to disagree with this video because I feel so much more comfortable talking and having conversations around children rather than adults. With adults I'm always concerned what they're going to think of me or whether they'll think I'm weird. Kids haven't been indoctrinated yet. I have no concern of that

[@guesswho5790]

That's what frightens me the most. I feel exposed when around children I'm not familiar with. It's like I have to break down the walls that I spent so much time and effort building. Take good care of that ability. I hear it's very liberating to be around children doing childish things (I mean that in the most positive way).

[@anna.318]

Yes this is so true! Kids don't judge you if you act a little awkward or say something that might seem dumb

[@kymberlydakin-neal7760]

Beautiful! Thanks so much for this reminder. This applies to so many situations - even adult interactions with people we don't know. Curiosity is key. Curiosity can relieve social anxiety across the boards.

[@Adurmas]

I'm the only one who's socially akward both with kids and adults?? Kids are really terrifying

[@depurasangre86]

Wait what? That's me in a room full of adults my age! Give me kids any day. They are fun to entertain.

[@thatRyzzle]

I hate kids, therefore my social skills are lacking. That's actually quite true.

[@revenant2943]

I've hated kids since I was a kid.

[@MoPoppins]

I love talking to kids and strangers of all ages. Being curious and pure-hearted make unfamiliar interactions an adventure.

[@Shindai]

26 packets of biscuits and go to bed when I want... that gives me an idea *pauses video* I'll finish this later *goes off to buy biscuits*

[@theschooloflifetv]

That made us laugh.

[@Relinquished404]

So, I hadn't revisited my grandparents in a span of six to seven years. You can imagine the difference of me then, and now, as well as the growth of the children from relatives in that amount of time. From child, to adult, I've always required an icebreaker to shatter the proverbial barrier of interaction. Refered to as 'the vampire' due to my pale complexion, the kids seemed keen on their attentiom being set on me. Although I've never really been socially adept with people, approaching them never really was an issue. Kids on the other hand? Absolutely terrifying. They didn't seem to notice, or care, but as soon as they had begun to pester me, interacting with them had been a breeze. If interacting with children is a testament of social skills, I must be a sleeper to the charismatic world, because while they may be erratic and sometimes difficult to control, children are also somewhat simple to get a grasp of, up until a point.

[@darrenstettner5381]

The only reason it’s awkward to relate to kids is because interacting with them makes other adults think your a child molester. It’s sad but it’s not worth the risk.

[@m.a.farrokhzad1962]

This is truly one of the best SOL Videos! Thank you.

[@dulynoted2427]

"The greatest ethical test we're ever going to face, is how we treat those who are at our mercy" - Lyn White

[@th-uc8or]

Idk why but this video somehow gives me that warm happy feeling

[@yesiamdaz]

Pfft the ultimate test is maintaining a conversation with a dentist.

[@Light-cy1gp]

hahahah

[@anna.318]

That's impossible? How tf do you talk with your mouth wide open😂 I think you meant your hair stylist

[@rumudinc300]

Some kids are amazing at starting conversations. When I feel nervous and can't think about anything to talk with the kids they say something that'll help. I love kids I wish adults were as understanding as them.

[@EveofPyrite]

OMG I noticed that people who are good with kids often aren't good with socializing with adults

[@firstlast2594]

This does not apply to everyone though :)

[@MrCmon113]

And vice versa. The two things are almost orthogonal.

[@YUNGDEE214972]

Me

[@UFO_808]

Ain't true

[@justinw8370]

I’m very much aware of how terrible my social skills are. It sucks. I admire those who have mastered these skills because I lack them so much.

[@cherry.25]

I'm amazing with kids it's adults that are hard to get on with because they are so judgemental and selfish

[@slowrunn3r88]

I have severe social anxiety and make plenty of adults uncomfortable, but children LOVE ME! Random kids run up to me in public a lot...and at work (emergency room), sometimes children will hug me after I help them (I'm only a nurse assistant...I don't do much to help directly...) and say "you're a very friendly boy" (I'm 27 but they say boy not man 😂) and even kids who can't speak English say "doccor...you doccor" "ha I'm not a doctor!" "Hehe yes you doccor! And funny! You funny! Hehe"

[@Kevin-cm5kc]

Contrary to this i actually find interaction with kids to be incredibly easy. Easier than dealing with most adults. The reasoning i often give is (bare with me here) kids are...not smarter but... less stupid? Children are ignorant of most information but the difference is- they can be introduced to new information pretty easily. As long as you remember to start from the beginning and don't assume they already have foundation knowledge. Meanwhile, the average adult honestly seems to be equally ignorant *but* in place of a willingness to learn about the world, they already *have* their own delusions and are frustratingly unwilling to learn due to arrogance. Or maybe even an unwillingness to *appear* ignorant and admit vulnerability? You have to unentrench them from *prior* biases (which is laughably impossible) before you can even start attempting to introduce them to almost any idea at all.

[@raapyna8544]

I can relate to this totally. If I try to be dignified and cool, kids think I'm ridiculous, and vice versa.

[@freshliberty7651]

why cartoon version of henry VI looks like penius?

[@luizdosanjos425]

fresh liberty Penius and Perv

[@vaimast]

because you are a pervert jaja

[@canonballXD]

PINGAS

[@vihungvan8924]

Thank you so much, I’m not sure what were the purpose behind of many people are trying to make me happy, I’m truly happy right, I never got this much attention in the past, now I got attentions from people i never thought I would never have chance to talk to. I do know I’m having a lot of privilege right now for receiving a lot of learning resources(expensively), which otherwise had to spend a lot of time to find by myself in the past. You don’t have to pay that much attention on me, I can be better myself, I promise. I’m start having feelings of using you guys, it’s not a good thing, I should help myself.

[@iniguezleo707]

didn't that happen to michael jackson? he found comfort and fun in children

[@wlankabel2986]

If the age is on the clock

[@elifkopat]

leo lol

[@Grace-mr8bc]

Exactly. And he often encouraged us adults to tap into our inner-child. By doing so we live free of conformity and judgement and ignorance that we end up imbibing in our teenage and later adult lives. People unfortunately misunderstood MJ so often, it's ridiculous. This video helps put into perspective what Michael Jackson had been telling us for more than half his extraordinary life.

[@bestestinventions7032]

you do mean "in" children?

[@Grace-mr8bc]

@Planeswalker Please provide us a quick summary of why you think MJ was a monster, refer to the official court transcripts and evidence obtained by the DA that somehow wasn't presented in court. I'll wait.

[@mirrors8913]

Watching this video...I think I have the social skills of a child. I can socialize with kids perfectly fine and avoid awkwardness pretty well. But adults...oh boy.

[@dannycyr6591]

Children are horrifying

[@htoodoh5770]

NEH aka Thatonekidwholikesmetal You were a child before so you should have already understand why children act the way they do.

[@htoodoh5770]

Danny Cyr You were a child before so are you horrifying?

[@nicholaso.1502]

Danny Cyr Thanks! Us 10 year olds like throwing some cringe out to everyone.

[@sheepish2159]

Htoo Doh I'll be a corpse some day. That doesn't mean I should want to spend time in a morgue.

[@emilyshmelimy]

Htoo Doh I'm an adult and there are times when I don't understand why other adults do the things they do. So it seems strange to me to think that an adult would just know why children behave the way they do.

[@wabylgoth96]

I watched this child play today because his dad was trying to have a business meeting at a coffee shop and it was really nice because I was able to balance multiple things at once while having fun because I am a normal person and I meditate ! ! !

[@Dantick09]

It depends how old they are, toddlers are like little aliens. Slightly older ones are more fun

[@Mar-xs3hg]

I actually feel like its way easier talking to kids vs talking to adults, I just ask them about cartoons or video games

[@dylankim1984]

What if your a kid?

[@headhusky5707]

Then do it with an adult

[@paperboy9310]

You're*

[@jonathanmurguia812]

silver oh God 😂😂

[@dylankim1984]

Sol Dalaris you're*, ok are we buddies now?

[@eba56]

All Things Otaku I would say you're pretty smart going to this channel instead of watching those gaming channels....

[@ninashum9524]

I'm socially awkward, but I find it so much easier to talk to kids. No pretense, no social rules, just say whatever's on my mind. With adults I'm reduced to a quivering, stuttering mess, constantly afraid of saying something wrong.

[@manee2412]

I don’t know how to maintain a conversation, lmao.

[@gonzalogallardo6028]

I've worked with kids and the more I'm around them, the more I realize they are just like adults, only that they don't know a lot of the bad things about life yet. For me, it feels like being around someone from whom I'm keeping so many secrets I have to check what I can and I can't say at all times.

[@absoluteledge]

Used to be shit. Now better than my dad, who is pretty fucking good. Came from social anxiety, so there is hope!!

[@jeremiahsmith916]

As a person who is anxious around authority figures and with reading subtle social cues (thanks childhood incidents), children are the EASIEST people to interact with for me. They don’t judge adults, they don’t have standards, and if they’re dissatisfied with something they’ll say/show it openly and not using passive aggressive techniques. It’s a HEAVEN of interaction.

[@saltypingu2701]

Did some kid draw this animation?

[@yifatcarmi3380]

The best thing about kids is that they know to take honest directness with laughter.

[@Masquerola]

3:43 ok but what the actual fuck is going on

[@dar1n_fgp]

Its not social skills its intelligence. Children are pure unadulterated unfiltered learning. If you are good at learning you will connect

[@nonesuchone]

This was so touching, and I can not describe why - I’ll will say thank you, as always.

[@pepinyostep3592]

This video makes no sense. I am comfortable around kids and often get along well woth them. Especially a child that seems socially inept. But does this make my social skills master level? Hell no. I have social anxiety and im always awkward around people. I just get well with kids because i know they arent judging me and we may have some common interests like Pokémon or some shit.

[@theself5738]

There are many comments like this and I also relate to this. I like children far better than adults. I think the term "social skill" is incorrectly defined in our world. It's usually defined as having lots of friends and parties and what not. But the adult world like you said is judgmental, emotionally repressed, and overly logical- with little to no emotional intelligence. The social skill this video is talking about is true emotional intelligence, not the fake artificial social world that adults have created.

[@daniely5987]

"For what so often holds us back around others, and makes us cold when we deep down long to be close, is a fear of a lose of dignity. Friendship begins and loneliness can end when we cease trying to impress, have the courage to step outside our safety zones and can dare, for a time, to look a little ridiculous. " ♥