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 don't really get small talk.  I mean there's only so long you can talk about nothing for. 

    However, if the other person is chatty and has some topics of conversation in mind then, personally, I don't find this to be an issue as I'm happy to let them talk and I can work out follow up questions if needed.  I'm pretty interested in people really so it's OK, is that unusual?

    If it's all on me and they are quiet too then it's obviously much more difficult to get a conversation going.  

    As I say a lot when I post on this forum, for context, I don't know if I'm autistic but am waiting for assessment and I enjoy this forum so continue to post on it at the moment.

  • I'm pretty interested in people really so it's OK, is that unusual?

    I find people fascinating so not to me, no lol

    I like finding out what they think and why, I guess because different is interesting to me. I may also be collecting knowledge for future situations, I don't know. I do know that talking to people is important for me when I'm facing a difficult situation, almost like I'm asking them how they would feel so I can decide if I feel like that too.

  • Oh good, I didn't want to be unusual! (joke, I really don't mind!). 

    I find the way other people live their lives interesting, what they enjoy doing, how they find meaning and fulfilment.  Of course, extracting that from someone is pretty difficult if the starting point is 'isn't it cold today'!    

Reply
  • Oh good, I didn't want to be unusual! (joke, I really don't mind!). 

    I find the way other people live their lives interesting, what they enjoy doing, how they find meaning and fulfilment.  Of course, extracting that from someone is pretty difficult if the starting point is 'isn't it cold today'!    

Children