#1252: Small Talk Strategies When You’re Depressed And Forgetful

February 18, 2020February 18, 2020 ~ JenniferP ~ 153 Comments

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

#1224: “When someone wants to be friends but shoots down all small talk attempts.”

September 11, 2019September 11, 2019 ~ JenniferP

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

August 26, 2019August 26, 2019 ~ JenniferP ~ 210 Comments

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

January 14, 2013January 14, 2013 ~ commanderlogic ~ 348 Comments

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