How challenging is small talk for you?

I think people might describe me as being well-mannered. Though I try to be, it's not the flattering opinion it might seem but, instead, testament to my restricted behaviour in company - I have to follow conversational conventions, and politeness is such a convention. 

If someone asks "How are you?", then I can answer briefly or (far too) extensively; both might be viewed as autistic habits. None of this means I'm at ease in conversations, as cues and subtleties don't always make their presences felt. Most importantly, I have to remind myself to ask "And how are you?" in return; not because I don't care but because *making the conversational transition is a hard, slow process for me and doesn't spring to my mind immediately*. And all the while I'm conscious that mine is a limited life, one which limits fluent and interesting conversation. 

How difficult or easy do you find small talk and general conversation?

Parents
  • Small talk is one of the hardest things I try to navigate, it’s absolutely draining, I can script most of it and have learnt by watching others how to act. If I’ve been out with my wife and have to chat with anyone, I will normally not be able to talk for the rest of the night. We went to the village pub on Friday early evening, a person of about my age has started chatting over the last few weeks. I came out with, “ I’m quite happy to talk to you and that’s all, I don’t want you coming to my house for dinner.” No point in giving someone expectations I can’t keep up with. Chris Packham explained well with Flo, the whole, “ hi how are you?” It’s a dance I find is pointless, I sometimes think to myself, “Do you really want to know what’s going on in my head at the moment? I think not. Sorry not feeling good today.

  • sometimes think to myself, “Do you really want to know what’s going on in my head at the moment? I think not.

    Oh yes....when I get quiet......although I;m probably a bit more Jack Nicolas about it ie "You think you want the truth about what I am thinking about - YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH."  Often, I have profound trouble keeping up with what my mind is doing - and why ! 

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  • sometimes think to myself, “Do you really want to know what’s going on in my head at the moment? I think not.

    Oh yes....when I get quiet......although I;m probably a bit more Jack Nicolas about it ie "You think you want the truth about what I am thinking about - YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH."  Often, I have profound trouble keeping up with what my mind is doing - and why ! 

Children