People exist on a continuum between two extremes. On the one extreme you have people who think it's rude to just talk out of nowhere, it's polite to ask questi

People exist on a continuum between two extremes. On the one extreme you have people who think it's rude to just talk out of nowhere, it's polite to ask questions, and good conversation always starts with a question, and people make sure to frequently alternate asking the next question that changes the topic. On the other extreme you have people who think it's rude and invasive to just ask questions out of nowhere, it's polite to give space for the other person to talk about whatever they want when they feel ready to, good conversation always starts with someone making an observation about what's on their mind, and follow-up questions are always a thing, but changing the topic is naturally done by the other person then talking about what's on their mind. Neither is right. Neither is wrong. Most people exist closer to the middle and can adapt easily to either style. They're happy to ask questions if someone doesn't seem to talk otherwise, and they're happy to talk unprompted if the other person doesn't seem to ask them questions. But if you're at one of the extremes, it can take work to realize that the other person isn't being rude. If you think someone is "hogging the conversation" and never asking you questions, just talk anyways, even if it seems uncomfortable at first. It's literally what they've been waiting for, and they've probably been wondering why you're not talking and why they have to keep filling the silence since you aren't contributing interesting things to the conversation about yourself. On the other hand, if someone just doesn't seem to be talking, try asking questions, even if it seems uncomfortable at first. It's literally what they've been waiting for, and they've probably been wondering why you're not asking things and why they have to keep asking you questions to fill the silence since you aren't contributing interesting questions. But again -- there's no right and no wrong. I'm deeply disappointed with the article as presenting one style as superior to the other.