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
  • Really hard & I don't do it, if I try, I'll tie myself up in all sorts of knots & 'run away' - my term for 'I'll get my coat'.

    If a small talk conversation starts lasting more than 10 seconds, I know I'm going to fall over, that in itself makes it worse, so I try & leave the best way I can.

    I do like a beer & when I pop to my local, there's quite a few in there, most I know, I'll still grab my beer (maybe after saying hello, how are you etc) & go sit outside on my own.

Reply
  • Really hard & I don't do it, if I try, I'll tie myself up in all sorts of knots & 'run away' - my term for 'I'll get my coat'.

    If a small talk conversation starts lasting more than 10 seconds, I know I'm going to fall over, that in itself makes it worse, so I try & leave the best way I can.

    I do like a beer & when I pop to my local, there's quite a few in there, most I know, I'll still grab my beer (maybe after saying hello, how are you etc) & go sit outside on my own.

Children
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