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
  • I've never mastered chit chat. I either find it incredibly boring or I pick up on something they say and run with it to the point I bore them. I also talk a lot about me which is me trying to relate my experience to them but it usually comes off as self absorbed. 

    I often rehearse chit chat, but that never really helps because it adds to my anxiety. I also like real conversation rather than just talking for the sake of talking (although I talk a lot so that possibly doesn't come across haha)

Reply
  • I've never mastered chit chat. I either find it incredibly boring or I pick up on something they say and run with it to the point I bore them. I also talk a lot about me which is me trying to relate my experience to them but it usually comes off as self absorbed. 

    I often rehearse chit chat, but that never really helps because it adds to my anxiety. I also like real conversation rather than just talking for the sake of talking (although I talk a lot so that possibly doesn't come across haha)

Children
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