Lest I become boring

Lately I had a comment published in "The New York Times" in which I said that Dennis Hopper's 1969 movie "Easy Rider" influenced my way of thinking in teaching English literature to Mosul University students in Iraq in early 1970s. A colleague of mine for over 35 years wondered why he wasn't aware of "Easy Rider" having such an impact on me. I told him it was because it is my habit when I am with the others not to discuss my subjects but their subjects, as from personal experience, I came to realise that people are interested in talking about themselves more than about me. If I didn't do so I would have ended a recluse which I am now happily because now I am living my life true and honest to myself, not pretending or seeking to please the others at the expense of my pleasure. I have lost a life-time in not being honest to myself. For this purpose, it is my habit to seek to know about acdemicians' specialisations and alma mater universities, to talk about their subjects and not mine so that I don't become boring