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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

  • Hah!

    The kids at the school where I work like to laboriously greet me with the '' Good morning, how are you' thing, however here, it's not generally a small talk question.

    Neither is talking about the weather, but with global warming it now is starting to be something that gets talked about, because it's getting that much more unpredictable. 

    I think you are supposed to greet people when you come in, if someone is eating you are supposed to wish them a good appetite. I don't think people really see themselves as great small talkers here, other than to fi d something mutual to moan about, though the 'best' place for a non small talk zone is Finland - or so I've heard. 

    I don't have much patience with chit chat at all, but I do see the point of looking for neutral topics. Better than having someone asking you really personal things that are none of their business or really going out of their way to use these personal observations to actively attack you! 

Reply

  • Hah!

    The kids at the school where I work like to laboriously greet me with the '' Good morning, how are you' thing, however here, it's not generally a small talk question.

    Neither is talking about the weather, but with global warming it now is starting to be something that gets talked about, because it's getting that much more unpredictable. 

    I think you are supposed to greet people when you come in, if someone is eating you are supposed to wish them a good appetite. I don't think people really see themselves as great small talkers here, other than to fi d something mutual to moan about, though the 'best' place for a non small talk zone is Finland - or so I've heard. 

    I don't have much patience with chit chat at all, but I do see the point of looking for neutral topics. Better than having someone asking you really personal things that are none of their business or really going out of their way to use these personal observations to actively attack you! 

Children