Hello, Seddit. I come here with a question that from what I've seen greatly enhances conversations with people and almost makes you 100% impervious to other people's snark, shit, trash talk, etc.

I work with a guy in contracting, he's probably about 10-11 years older than I am (I'm 21.) He is a grumpy, rough, and cynical guy, however, he is also goofy, funny, and sharp as an axe. Over the past few weeks I've been talking to him and I've come to think of him as a mentor of sorts. He does not take bullshit from anyone, especially women, and I have learned so many things from him already.

One of the things he told me was he has always had a quick wit. When he talks to me or another person, there is never a moment when he loses a conversation. Even when he does, he still has some retort to say in order to still manage his position as an alpha. The interesting thing is he is not glamorous by any means- he smokes, he drinks, he is not attractive or good looking, yet he has zero trouble with women, and when he does have trouble he is not whiny or upset about it (he has a girlfriend but that's beside the point.)

I was wondering if there were any ways to develop my own quick wit. One thing I've started doing is talking to pretty much anyone and everyone to get experience, both guys and girls. I see what I can do to make them laugh, and if not I see what I can say to rebound and still maintain a confident position. I think that this is one of the greatest skills you can have, because people are always looking to test you, especially women. By always having something else to shoot back with, and not showing the other person that they can allow you to get tongue-tied or "win" a conversation, you will never lose in an interaction with anyone else.