I think some of problems with stories come down to the listener. I remember my first wife's grandfather telling me about his time in the trenches in the first world war and about his childhood and early days at work. He was French and had lived in the suburbs of Paris. He had worked for the Lumiere brothers. To me it was fascinating and I could happily listen for hours she on the other hand found it totally boring. The old man was in his nineties and it was history brought to life for me. Listening to other people's experiences give something to you as you will never live through those times again. They should be treasured and shared - if you can find a fellow listener.