I’m grateful I had a couple of jobs when I was younger that forced me to learn how to make small talk (although I hated them at the time). I still don’t enjoy it at all, but I can at least do it.
Anybody can learn to deflect having to talk, into listening. Just say “Oh, you know, same-old-same-old. How about you? Howz the husband/wife/partner/child(ren)/pet(s)???” And prepare to listen til your talkative mate returns and rescues you.
By the way, I AM and introvert, so, it’s not one of those ridiculous “You too, can win friends and influence people” pieces of advice that are infuriating as well as demeaning.
There are people who have nothing interesting to say, so don’t say anything. And there are also people who—even after you’ve listened to them— have said nothing interesting.
Oh, boy! That’s me in a nutshell. Not literally, of course. Whenever there are people around my wife handles the small talk. I find a dark corner or face the wall and quietly weep until it’s time to leave. Introversion capped with reclusivity and an asocial personality structure disqualifies me as the life of the party. Add in fear of crowds.
If it’s any compensation, I love the “small talk” scene in My Fair Lady. Really. I. Do.
Reminds of the first time I ran into one of the church ladies at the grocery store after my wife died. I couldn’t hold up my side of the conversation since I had always been a bystander.
stillfickled Premium Member almost 5 years ago
That’s me to a T!
rekam Premium Member almost 5 years ago
That’s some sphere.
mischugenah almost 5 years ago
I’m grateful I had a couple of jobs when I was younger that forced me to learn how to make small talk (although I hated them at the time). I still don’t enjoy it at all, but I can at least do it.
Qiset almost 5 years ago
Uh, socializing distancing, right?
mjb515 almost 5 years ago
The dangers of being an introvert married to an extravert.
LadyPeterW almost 5 years ago
Anybody can learn to deflect having to talk, into listening. Just say “Oh, you know, same-old-same-old. How about you? Howz the husband/wife/partner/child(ren)/pet(s)???” And prepare to listen til your talkative mate returns and rescues you.
LadyPeterW almost 5 years ago
By the way, I AM and introvert, so, it’s not one of those ridiculous “You too, can win friends and influence people” pieces of advice that are infuriating as well as demeaning.
James Wolfenstein almost 5 years ago
Now you have an excuse :D No small chat in close proximity, text me!
rshive almost 5 years ago
There are people who have nothing interesting to say, so don’t say anything. And there are also people who—even after you’ve listened to them— have said nothing interesting.
Purple People Eater almost 5 years ago
Inaptitude or ineptitude?
erniejpdx almost 5 years ago
Oh, boy! That’s me in a nutshell. Not literally, of course. Whenever there are people around my wife handles the small talk. I find a dark corner or face the wall and quietly weep until it’s time to leave. Introversion capped with reclusivity and an asocial personality structure disqualifies me as the life of the party. Add in fear of crowds.
If it’s any compensation, I love the “small talk” scene in My Fair Lady. Really. I. Do.
Carl Rennhack Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Is Jimbo getting in touch with his inner armadillo?!?
rhpii almost 5 years ago
What’s new? Well my peaceful Sunday was suddenly interupted.
[Unnamed Reader - e476da] almost 5 years ago
I know where he’s coming from.
vishooter almost 5 years ago
Reminds of the first time I ran into one of the church ladies at the grocery store after my wife died. I couldn’t hold up my side of the conversation since I had always been a bystander.
tad1 almost 5 years ago
Unfortunately, this is me. I’m better at listening than talking.