Why do people have the need to create petty conversation???

Question

I have noticed that when I encounter someone who I don't like (and I make it obvious enough so that there isn't any confusion), the person, without fail, will start petty conversation. i.e. "How are you?", "What have you been up to?", etc. Honestly, do they care and if not, why don't they just leave me alone?

Can two people who don't like each other be in the same room without bothering each other with such unnecessary display of politeness?

Also, I have noticed that these conversations normally drag on when there are other people around (especially when there is a mutual party). There hasn't been a situation where the mutual party doesn't know of my feelings towards the other person. What is your two cents on the reasoning behind this?

What is your opinion on petty conversation?

Hmmm... I'm sorry that I wasn't more clear.

I'd like to know what your thoughts are on petty conversations that involve those who you had no intimate relationship with (ie boyfriend/girlfriend, girlfriend/girlfriend, etc) but they start these types of conversations with you when they know, without a doubt, that you do not like them.

(Oh, and you are at least acquainted with the person as well.)

Also, I'm not really looking for advice but thank you for all your thoughts. I DO appreciate your time and effort you put in your replies. Mainly, I'm curious about others' opinions regarding this kind of conversation in the set circumstances stated above.

Again, thank you all.

Answer 1

I think it comes down to people wanting to de-fuse a social interaction so they'll feel more comfortable. People basically want to be accepted and liked. So, when you put out a vibe that you don't like them, it's human nature for that person to do something to try to get you to like and accept them. Starting a conversation with you engages you in interaction with them. They're hoping that by asking you how you are, you'll think, "Gee, they must care since they asked." And then you'd be more likely to like them because they care about you. Also, some people were brought up with extremely polite parents who taught them that no matter what, they must be nice to everyone, regardless of the situation. They really could care less about some people, but protocol wins out and they ask everybody they come in contact with, "How are you?" out of habit.

Answer 2

The person is stuck in a room with you and he knows you don't like him. And, you can't get away,
for some reason. That is the scenario?

The simple answer is that the person is uncomfortable with the silence, and because you don't initiate, he is compelled to.
Would you enjoy it more if the person asked, "Why are you such a ( any expletive of your choice)"?
At least, that wouldn't be petty.

If you want it to stop, say, "I don't care to talk with you."
Not preaching here, but politeness is more necessary than you know.

Answer 3

Obama did no longer even have Blagojevich at any marketing campaign activities in Illinois and by no skill rather had something to do with him while he became senator or in any respect interior the marketing campaign. It even feels like somebody from Obama's circle is the only that tipped off the feds to what Blagojevich became doing. of direction some will attempt and link Obama yet maximum will see that this one won't stick the two.

Answer 4

Well,

I almost agree with all the answers that other user has given.

The petty conversation, which you have given, is very normal in our human world. I would say 65% of them is "quite" care about you and everybody. It is normal to be curious as a human. Myself I like to ask people, "Have you eaten?", or "What time did you get up sleep?". I believe these question have been asked many times by you people and vice versa.

But I see you have a case here:
I believe you are a cute glamour sweet beautiful girl, from your avatar.

If boys asked you these petty question, I really believed they attracted to you spontaneously.

And I see you don't want to let other people see you getting along with this girl/boy.

I guess It's all "Social", that person wants to attract attention, with your last case.

Answer 5

It's possible that many of the people you refer to, dislike you as much and maybe more than you dislike them. Some people tend to rise above "petty" displays of "leave me the f**k alone" and treat others with a modicum of respect, whether they deserve it or not. In other words, some people are genuinely nice.

Answer 6

Why dont you just surprise them and be straight out with them and ask them that question? Dont beat around the bush and egg them on, thats messed up!

I wonder what their response would be......they probably wont ever ask you how your day is again !!

Maybe you can get over your dislikes and make better conversation and iron out your differences... thats what I would do...

Answer 7

shyness can start a petty conversations. people maybe don't know how to interact with other people without getting bored. they, maybe sometimes don't know how to open up topics to people they are sharing with. they might be afraid to be embarrassed in front of the person they're talking to.

i hope this can help you. thank you.=)

Answer 8

hard to guess on such a brief info, but if you want to take an optimistic view, it could be that they're extending an olive branch of friendship? Maybe they're trying to try to patch up a relationship?

Answer 9

It's what sets us apart from the animals.
If you like, you could always do a pre-emptive attack and punch them in the neck instead !!
Why so much dislike? Leave that to us guys....
We enjoy fighting.

Answer 10

This is done strictly to avoid an awkward moment. That person probably knows or can sense that you don't like him/her, so in order to avoid feeling uncomfortable, they force small talk.