At an invitation only reception before my speaking engagement, Tink and I found ourselves in the midst of lovely people who came one at a time for introductions then to talk about our work, either individually or separately.
In a room of strangers yet friends, because they know us through our publicized words, we made conversation and tried to focus on that person. Not us. I take words of praise then quickly toss them aside for more interesting conversation about them or their hometown. Tink is more adept. Any conversation that focuses on him is disdainful to him. It's the New England Yankee in him. We Southerners are happy to tell you what we had for breakfast and how we make our biscuits.