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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

  • It depends on the situation. I can do the odd comment with a stranger for example at a bus stop. Unlike others I find the weather a good conversation, partly because it is not personal, but also because I have always been fascinated by weather and would probably describe it as a special interest, however I am probably in the minority there.

    In small groups where I know people well  I can talk too much about interests and probably in more detail than others are interested in.

    However with a lot of people I have one word answers or don't know how to start a conversation. I then feel all up tight and just want to disappear. For that reason I try to avoid a lot of social situations.

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  • It depends on the situation. I can do the odd comment with a stranger for example at a bus stop. Unlike others I find the weather a good conversation, partly because it is not personal, but also because I have always been fascinated by weather and would probably describe it as a special interest, however I am probably in the minority there.

    In small groups where I know people well  I can talk too much about interests and probably in more detail than others are interested in.

    However with a lot of people I have one word answers or don't know how to start a conversation. I then feel all up tight and just want to disappear. For that reason I try to avoid a lot of social situations.

Children
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