It’s come to my attention that on a daily basis, I am likely to spend more time with people that aren’t my family and friends and more time interacting with work colleagues and strangers on trains, at cafes or in elevators. I feel like this requires one to have a database of small talk conversation starters on the ready for situations where it seems necessary to talk about our general observations. Part way through building my personal database, it dawned on me that I’m not the best at small talk. For example, one time I mentioned something about how nice the weather was, and in reply the delivery man said “Not really, it’s raining…” An awkward and lengthy pause then followed.

On one occassion when I worked in retail, I started chatting to a customer about his children to which, like any other parent, declared that no one loves his children as much as he does. A few years ago, his son was very sick – to the point where doctors weren’t sure if he’d make it through the night. When he saw the determination on the face of his son’s girlfriend that night, he then realised someone loved his son more than he did. His son made it through the night and he plans on telling this story at the wedding (the wedding is next April FYI. Still waiting on my invite). Long story short, an hour passed and I was in tears on the middle of the sales floor trying to sell this man a vacuum. I’m not sure how I get involved in these sorts of conversations but I do and I love it.

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