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How challenging is small talk for you?

Steven

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

  • If I'm talking to someone I don't really know well then to the question "how are you?" My automatic response is "fine thanks, how are you?" Though I may forget to acknowledge their response. I forget to ask people how their hospitalised family member is, or did your daughter have a nice party (this last one was Monday, and when she mentioned the Saturday being busy she then had to explain why). I can forget to say "hello" and often just get straight to the point of what I want or need to say.

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  • If I'm talking to someone I don't really know well then to the question "how are you?" My automatic response is "fine thanks, how are you?" Though I may forget to acknowledge their response. I forget to ask people how their hospitalised family member is, or did your daughter have a nice party (this last one was Monday, and when she mentioned the Saturday being busy she then had to explain why). I can forget to say "hello" and often just get straight to the point of what I want or need to say.

Children
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