Piqued.
The question I've really come to dislike in the past few weeks: What are you studying now?
It has come to my realization that it is either the least effective (or most effortless) conversation starter known to mankind.
I mean, after that question will come either a a) polite comment of admiration, b) blank judgmental stare, c) a polite comment, but this time, reeking of disdain. (Rarely are there in-betweens.) The question does nothing to break the ice- it simply builds the barrier further, because the pleasantries will soon ensue. Another contrived series of questions which you have memorized by heart. (Why? How is it like?)
Frankly speaking, you've forgotten why you've chosen that course, and you've started to believe the answer you regurgitate.
The reason why I think people can't stop asking that question is because it is at present the most defining question to people of our age. The course of study, in Singapore at least, is a determinant of one's potential status, intellect, and very sadly, (though I like to believe not) one's worth.
Yes, shy away from it no more. Despite your general innocence in asking after someone's well-being, YOU have a compulsion to know whether you are worth more. And isn't that sad. A constant war of the wills, one that you may well be ignorant of. Pride puffs up a well-meaning individual and eventually breaks you. I'm glad I recognized this early, and genuinely.
The next time I meet any of you- please don't let the first question be such. Ask me what I had for breakfast, what show on telly I caught in the past week, and if all else fails, comment on the weather. Anything but- (: