Do you enjoy small talk?

rob_just_rob

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I hate small talk. It's boring (well, perhaps I bore easily) and I always get the feeling that it's an attempt to kill time... the implication being that I could be doing something more interesting, instead.

I'm terrible at it and make almost no effort to improve, so when I'm forced into a small-talk situation, my words come out sounding stilted.
 

LaFemme

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Now that's just completely awkward. :tapedshut:

Just being friendly while having a poor sense of boundaries. :smile:

*makes mental note to improve sense of boundaries should I ever be invited to visit OWO's home*

You mean in terms of Plato's allegory of the cave?

Yes, Keyser, that's exactly what I was talking about! :tongue:
 

SprinkleMe69

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I don't mind it now. In my younger years I avoided small talk because I knew it lead to more "stuff" and I wasn't much of a talker. But now talk of the weather can lead to a favorite time caught in a storm or a favorite meal to cook in bad weather or perhaps a favorite spot one vacationed and how perfect the weather was. It's all good :smile:
 

Brillig47

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How're ya doin'?
Not toooo bad, thanks be to god? How's yerself?
Middlin' middlin'. Grand soft day we're havin'
Not bad at all at all.
 

Endued

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I sometimes struggle a little with it, tbh. I'm not the most extroverted guy in the world and sometimes small talk can seem very insincere, to the point it feels like an embarassing chore, even though I'm pretty sure everyone is just being friendly. I'd much sooner have a proper chat about a subject I'm interested in, but that's obviously not always possible.
 

hud01

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How are you? Oh the weather is nice today isn't it. And how was your weekend? Oh I'm doing fine and yourself? I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. Nice jacket you got there.

Just wondering what peoples opinion is concerning small talk.

I realize it's a way to get to know people and is a requirement of polite society but I have a very low tolerance for this much to the detriment of my social life I believe.

I find it exhausting and often have a very low threshold for this as it's hard for me to force interest or niceness. These conversations usually last about 1 or 2 minutes at most with acquaintances or people I meet. Are most of you the same or do you enjoy engaging in small talk?
I talk to the same girl every day. It is almost a ritual. How are you doing today? What did you do today? What are you doing right now? How was school? It is sort of like priming the pump. Then after that is done we talk about more serious things.

For those who I haven't seen for a while. What have you been doing? Take any trips lately?

Exploratory. Oh you went to Mexico, which cities? Do you have any pictures? How long were you there? What were the people like? Did you feel safe? Cancun, how was it? Were the chicks hot?

It is information gathering to lead to more.
 

hud01

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I sometimes struggle a little with it, tbh. I'm not the most extroverted guy in the world and sometimes small talk can seem very insincere, to the point it feels like an embarassing chore, even though I'm pretty sure everyone is just being friendly. I'd much sooner have a proper chat about a subject I'm interested in, but that's obviously not always possible.
How do you get to that point if first you don't start digging to find out if that person shares the same interests and can hold a conversation about it. You may have 5 things you would like to talk about, you have to find the one or two that the other person has the same interests. You start with communications 101, not the post grad course. :tongue:
 

rbkwp

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bring it on, handle it as it happens
Courtesy prevails, then curtail it, if necessary hah
usually have no problems in changing the subject, usually woks ok, with minimal offence..
 

tbrguy

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I can take it or leave it. Don't really enjoy it, but realise it's one of lifes little chores.

As has been said, if you are meeting someone for the first time, and you would prefer it not to be the last, it helps break the ice and if the feeling is mutual the converrsation will soon find its way to more interesting topics.

I am able to waffle with the best of 'em, but what really pisses me off is if I'm in a situation with AN Other where a bit of chit chat is expected and s/he just refuses to play the game - that makes my blood boil.

I'm never sure if they're taking the micky or just plain thick, either way I could quite happily punch their lights out!

To put this in context, for those of you who may be thinking I'm some sort of psycho, I was remembering a couple of "networking" meetings I attended - now if someone goes along to this type of function and won't join in you have to wonder, don't you? End of rant.
 

HiddenLacey

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There was a time in my life when I probably filled every moment with endless chatter, now I tend to keep to myself unless I have something significant to say.

I can make small talk, but I'd much rather have a conversation or just say nothing at all.
 

earllogjam

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BTW how did the visit to the restroom go yesterday? Everything come out okay in the end? :biggrin1:

Yes, happiness is an empty bowel.

:twak: NO! Not when you pull my finger! Now be good, or I'll pull your poutine permit! :smile:

Umm, poutine was the reason I was running to the loo. :tongue:

I'm hopeless at being a Canuck.
 
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