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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,472
Registered: ā€Ž08-20-2012

Re: How are you with small talk?

I used to be called Chatty Cathy. Only had one friend who talked more than me. Was very young when I told the milkman he had a dirty a**. Of course my Mom must have taught me that. There are more stories but that's enough. I am in my late 7ties. I do talk less but then I don't see as many people as I use to. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,275
Registered: ā€Ž05-11-2013

Re: How are you with small talk?

I can make small talk if I have to but in my old age (71) I hate it.

 

When I was younger and liked people lol I could happily talk to anyone one.  I'm not talking about friends I mean just random folks when I go out.

 

As to dating, I would rather be hit in the head with a 2x4.  Some old duffer in CVS tried to get chummy even though I had my wedding ring on. DH died going on 3 years ago but usually the ring keeps people from approaching me.  Not this guy.  I saw him getting out of his car and the tacky bumper stickers plastered all over it. He asked if I was there with my husband. I old him DH was home (he is, in his urn). DD got a chuckle out of watching the whole exchange/

 

 

 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,785
Registered: ā€Ž05-23-2015

Re: How are you with small talk?

I saw this on a tee shirt today:  Introverted , but willing to discuss cats. 😹

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,620
Registered: ā€Ž05-22-2014

Re: How are you with small talk?

It depends on the situation and how friendly the other person appears.  Of course, you learn by listening,  never when you are talking.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,249
Registered: ā€Ž03-12-2010

Re: How are you with small talk?

Would anyone here who's read my diatribes that I enjoy any kind of talking....period?

I think people are fascinating.  I've always said, "Everyone has a story to tell".

 

Give me a few minutes with a stranger and I'll come away from the meeting knowing a variety of things about the individual.

 

I've thought about that because my late husband used to tease me. 

We'd go to parties where I didn't know anyone.  I'd move around the room introducing myself.

 

I think it might be because I give the individual various things about my life.  We 'share' our thoughts and ideas.

 

Life is wonderful and so are the people in life.

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,146
Registered: ā€Ž03-10-2010

Re: How are you with small talk?

[ Edited ]

Interesting to note that, although I enjoy a bit of light banter with strangers, and I'm a really good, empathic listener,  I actually consider myself a sociable introvert. Meaning, I can socialize 1:1 or in a group for a period of time...but then im done. My switch flips off. If I don't get time alone when I need it I become irritable rude and hard to be with. So I try to limit my involvement in group activities. Lots of time alone recharges my social battery.

I have a decal on my back windshield that says I'm 70 leave me the hell alone. 

MICHIGAN STATE MOM
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,124
Registered: ā€Ž03-02-2016

Re: How are you with small talk?

I do very well with small talk. I enjoy talking to people face to face.  One of my summer jobs years ago was working in an information office near the beach/outlet area. Talked to people from all states and other countries. It was fun and I enjoyed it very much. Same with my husband's business dinners/parties. I enjoyed them. (loved getting dressed up) Didn't look on them as a chore.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,736
Registered: ā€Ž02-19-2014

Re: How are you with small talk?

I'm fairly good with small talk, but not so great at talking about myself. Sometimes when a new person asks me where I'm from or a detail about my life, I blank out temporarily. I answer slowly. I swear some people walk away thinking I'm in witness protection.

 

I'm good at talking about the other person and asking questions and talking about the surroundings and circumstances, but terrible at talking about myself. No idea why. Maybe I'm just surprised they're interested?

 

I am glad I don't have to date right now. I would not want to be on Tinder.

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,159
Registered: ā€Ž05-24-2015

Re: How are you with small talk?

@qualitygal 

 

I’ve been married over 50 years.

Yes, I love my husband, but I just prefer not to talk to him and that’s probably why we’ve been married so long. We ignore each other.

 

Whatever works.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,335
Registered: ā€Ž03-13-2010

Re: How are you with small talk?

I have never been good in crowds of people, so, therefore, I never cared for parties. I am fine one on one, as long as the other person holds up their end of the conversation.  In the past when I was in a setting where there were lots of people and I knew maybe one or two people, it was very difficult for me.  I'm not the type who can go up to people I don't know and just join in and start asking them questions, etc.  DH is just the opposite -- he never met a stranger!  As for dating now --- are you kidding me?  No way!!!!  I would be so out of touch, it's not even funny.  

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin