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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 it’s strangers or people I know or those I work with it’s OK. I can do it. However, if the conversation gets too long, I feel the strain and want to exit. I start thinking ‘I’m not interested, I’m trying to work, I don’t care, why don’t you eff off’ instead of actually listening to them, then I get really tongue tied. I want to burst inside, but of course I mask wonderfully with a smile and interested look in my face. My hands will be in my pockets picking my fingers to shreds out of sight.  I also struggle to talk sense if I am faced with someone I find attractive, or who finds me attractive. 

    For the most part, small talk is boring. Tell me something interesting about yourself instead please! That would keep me invested.

  • in reply to Catlover
    Catlover said:
     I also struggle to talk sense if I am faced with someone I find attractive,

    I have suffered with this.  I have to explain, but the risk of sounding like a huge douche bag is high!  Now that I'm older and more relaxed, I think most women (and occasionally men) grant me the latitude of honesty.

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