Hi there, I'm hoping to find some scripts/strategies to employ when I run into someone I'm happy to chat with, like a friend or one of the super friendly baristas at a coffee shop I'm always in, and they ask "so what's new with you?" or "what have you been up to this week?" when … Continue reading #1252: Small Talk Strategies When You’re Depressed And Forgetful
Tag: small talk
#1224: “When someone wants to be friends but shoots down all small talk attempts.”
Hi Captain! As I've tried to make better friends with her, I've realized that my roommate's GF is a very negative person. Several times in a conversation, small talk will be shut down with very honest but also very negative responses that make it hard to move the conversation forward. Some examples: Me: I heard … Continue reading #1224: “When someone wants to be friends but shoots down all small talk attempts.”
Short Questions for August 2019: Part 1 of 2
Hello, it's the monthly feature where patrons of the site can ask short questions. Q1: Thanks to years of reading your blog I finally learned how to call out -isms when they happen! But now I'm stuck at the next hurdle, where people who get called out are so mortified they go into an over-the-top … Continue reading Short Questions for August 2019: Part 1 of 2
#432: I’m pregnant, I hate small talk, UGH: A Compendium
Dear Captain, I’m pregnant - yay! It’s still pretty early, but if things go well, I’m on my way to being a big gassy pregnant lady. (Right now I am a small gassy pregnant lady). However, I’m already dreading handsy co-workers who I know will touch my stomach, comment on my weight gain, start referring … Continue reading #432: I’m pregnant, I hate small talk, UGH: A Compendium