"First, I find the anti-small talk position arrogant, marked by a sense that the holder is more thoughtfully and deeply engaged with life than everyone else. When I was in middle school, I knew a kid who only listened to inaccessible goth rock and dismissed anyone who listened to the top 40 as shallow and stupid. That's how small talk haters sound to me:"
"Everyone's just trying to get through the day, and sometimes the easiest way is to debate whether Chrishell Stause is right to leave Selling Sunset (she is). I find small talk incredibly useful, says Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, which provides etiquette advice and training. She describes small talk as a safety zone for people to be in together."
Small talk often receives criticism as painful, dishonest, or shallow, and recommendations favoring deeper topics like religion or fears appear among critics. The anti-small-talk stance can reflect condescension and an expectation that others should share intense engagement with existential issues. Mundane exchanges can feel tedious, yet they accommodate people who are tired, handling responsibilities, or unwilling to dive into heavy subjects. Simple topics provide accessible connection and allow people to get through the day without emotional strain. Small talk functions as a social safety zone that facilitates ease, inclusion, and appropriate pacing of conversation across varied contexts and emotional states.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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