I was fed up with discussing the weather, so I started to ask unexpected questions. The conversations that resulted were revelatoryFor as long as I can remember, I have found small talk problematic. It was boring at best and stressful at worst. A colleague commenting on the weather, when I could see for myself that it was raining. The postman asking: “How are you today?” An impossibly broad question to answer briefly.I worked in book publishing for years, where networking was essential. I could discuss authors, print runs or marketing budgets with ease. But asking how a buyer had travelled to the event? Or where a journalist had parked? I didn’t care! So why were these the conversations we were all having? Everyone else seemed at ease, while I felt on edge. Continue reading...
Friday 31 October 2025
.theguardian - 10 days ago
A moment that changed me: I gave up small talk for a month – and the world came alive
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