[Izakaya Debate] When you talk about simple things, the person's true self comes out

There was a drinking session that felt like an 'Izakaya debate,' but I couldn't make it.
My cough was so bad that it was just impossible.

Honestly, I feel like I missed out.

I heard what the topic was.

'Whether or not to follow simple topics.'
Apparently, that's what they were talking about.

To begin with, what is a 'simple topic' in this context?

Living apart or living together.
The differences between men and women.
Is money important?
Do you like your job or hate it?
Do you prefer breasts or buttocks?

I think it's things like this.

And personally, I follow all these kinds of topics.

First of all, because it helps me understand the person.
And it reveals their values.
When you talk about these things, what a person values comes out quite directly.
And that's a good thing.

It's interesting, you can become friends, and you can build trust.
If you're not careful, it can even lead to business.

The merit of a simple topic isn't that the answer is simple.
I think it's that the entry point is simple.

Anyone can join in.
You can start talking immediately.
But once you actually start talking, that person's way of thinking and habits really come out.

In fact, the simpler the theme, the better you can see the person's inner self.

I think that's probably why it goes so well with 'Izakaya debates'.

Difficult or specialized topics are fine too.
However, you often can't join those conversations without knowledge.

And they tend to become a stage for the person who knows the most to lecture.
That's more like a lecture than a debate.
If the listeners don't really understand or aren't that interested,
they might even feel like they're being talked down to.

I don't really like that kind of atmosphere.

In that respect, simple topics are different.

The entrance is wide.
But the depths are profound.

Anyone can join, yet the person's true self comes out.
That's why it's interesting and why it expands.

I think I'm probably watching how the person says their answer,
rather than the answer itself.

That's why I end up following these kinds of simple topics.

And another thing I think is that,
ideas are actually quite often born from these kinds of simple conversations.

In fact, I feel like they're more likely to come from simple topics.

When you're having these kinds of talks, the person's values and habits come out just as they are.

When I see those gaps and differences,
I naturally start thinking things like,
'This kind of thing might suit this person,' or
'There seems to be an unmet need here.'

Rather than breaking down and thinking about difficult themes,
sometimes it's easier to see hints
by throwing simple topics out there as they are.

I think simple topics aren't for finding answers,
but are entry points for getting to know people.

And when you can see the person,
you start wanting to think about what you can do for them.

So, as a result, it leads to ideas.