I have been a shy introvert for years. I also have been quite happy with just a few close and trusted friends (most of whom have the same problems with small talk as I do).
Unfortunately, my new job as a small campus church music director calls for the ability to a)socialize in large groups, which pretty much requires b) the ability to small talk.
I have realized that it is not the large groups that I am afraid of (although I much prefer small group/one-on-one interactions with plenty of time to recuperate alone). It is small talk.
When I was growing up, my family would talk about things. We would hash through ideas and theories about whatever happened to be on our minds. We never really "small talked." And for most people, it is small talk that bridges the gap between complete strangers, friends, or even decently warm business relationships. And for most people, anyone who falters at the stage of small talk is deemed "not worthy of further time."
2006-11-20
13:15:18
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7 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Psychology