![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
How important is 'small talk' to you?
Do you enjoy it?
Do you hate it?
Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?
Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?
What are you wearing?
;-)
~
Posted by James K on February 7, 2006, at 13:07:30
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
---just enough to break an uncomfortable silence then either have comfortable silence or real conversation.
>
> Do you enjoy it?
>
> Do you hate it?
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?---Yes, but situation dependent. Like if I take the last seat on the bus and say something like "is is okay if I sit by you", and they stare out the window and don't answer, that's rude. sure it is a meaningless question, but it helps society function.
>
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?---Yes, once I've got myself situated on the bus seat and we maybe determine where we are getting off, I don't want to hear their life story.
>
> What are you wearing?Thanks for noticing. These are plaid bermuda shorts made by landsend, complimented by an old white hanes undershirt. Normally I would add black socks and white converse all-stars, but I haven't really gotten started yet.
>
> And how long have you been wearing them?
>
> ~
---when I learned to watch and learn enough about sports that I knew who was who and major events that happened, working with other guys became much easier for me.James K
Posted by AuntieMel on February 7, 2006, at 13:33:15
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
>None at all. I'm not good at it.
> Do you enjoy it?
>
> Do you hate it?
>Usually I find it insipid. Maybe because I'm not good at it.
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?
>Not usually
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?
Oh, yea. My mom talkes to strangers at the grocery store and it drives me nuts!
>
> What are you wearing?
>Old capris, sandals, t-shirt. I'm at work so I had to dress nice.
> ;-)
>
Back at ya
> ~
Posted by Phil on February 7, 2006, at 14:51:04
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
>>Unless I'm having a bad day, it's cool.
>
> Do you enjoy it?>>I'd say I do.
>
> Do you hate it?>>Usually only if it's some moron.
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?>>No. Their thoughts can be anywhere or they could be in the middle of the worst day of their life.
>
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?>>Only if they're the type of person that absolutely cannot shutup. They have no off switch. You almost have to fake a heart attack to get rid of them.
>
> What are you wearing?>>Okay. Jeans, Mizuno running shoes, dark blue tshirt w/ a faded denim shirt over that.
>
> ;-)
>
> ~
Posted by Gabbix2 on February 7, 2006, at 15:15:02
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
>Very important.
> Do you enjoy it?
Not always to participate in, but it's important still. I think it's not about content, it's about people still trying to connect with each other.
After I've come through a gruesome depression, I think sometimes the sound of people making small talk is the most beautiful thing in the world,
really.I love to watch the woman who is serving coffee chat about her mother "having the same problem.." to a customer she barely knows.
It's so simple, so reassuring.>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?Not at all, I can hardly engage in it.
Ditto what Phil said.
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?
>
Well, if I think they are overly engaging in it, then that in itself would be an indication of annoyance. It's relative.
> What are you wearing?
>
> ;-)A red sweater and black capri pants.
> ~
Posted by kid47 on February 7, 2006, at 16:18:21
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?<
How "small" are we talkin about......as opposed to 'large talk'?
> Do you enjoy it?<
Truthfully, I don't enjoy much of anything
> Do you hate it?<
Hate is a pretty strong word. I try not to hate stuff.....oops almost forgot about my ex. (I affectionately call her Spawn of Satan)
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?<Not near as rude as they find me!
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?<
As you've probaby noticed, I petty much have a lock on annoying
> What are you wearing?<
Nada...it's casual Tuesday
=0/
> ;-)
>
> ~
Posted by fairywings on February 7, 2006, at 16:36:31
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
Wish I were good at it.
fw
Posted by sleepygirl on February 7, 2006, at 17:16:27
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
It's "important" since I'm not too good at it, and it seems to be a necessary skill
>
> Do you enjoy it?Not usually
>
> Do you hate it?Sometimes very much
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?Not usually
>
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?Sometimes
>
> What are you wearing?A "Family Guy-Lord of the Rings" themed T-shirt of all things, and dark blue sort of athletic pants with 2 white stripes running down each side
I slept in this - haven't changed since I don't feel very well today.
> ;-)
>
> ~
Posted by Gee on February 7, 2006, at 17:42:34
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
Depends on who it's with. I'm one of those people that can go on about the weather forever
> Do you enjoy it?
Only if it's interesting
> Do you hate it?
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?
Well if they just don't talk to me then yeah
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?
Yes, but I've gotten use to being around them... my family seems to be all for the small talk
> What are you wearing?
Jeans, a pink shirt with a camosol underneath and two different socks. Does the paint on my hands count?
Posted by JenStar on February 7, 2006, at 18:20:47
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
I think small talk helps loosen up a situation until you feel more comfortable. I see it as the uncomfortable but necessary first step of any relationship...exchanging the pleasantries and basic info just to see if you even WANT to pursue more of a relationship.
Or, in other situations, it's a way to pass time and just be friendly even if you'll never end up being best friends (clerk in a grocery store, person in front of you at the post office, etc.)
Sometimes I push myself to do small talk with a new person and it works out better than expected -- I get a job reference, some cool information, or a joke.
JenStar
Posted by JenStar on February 7, 2006, at 18:23:28
In reply to Re: Do you like small talk? » Sobriquet Style, posted by JenStar on February 7, 2006, at 18:20:47
I'm wearing black pants, a white shirt with big fancy fold-back cuffs, black shoes, and dangly earrings.
And you?
J
Posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 19:30:26
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
It is of no importance to me personally.
>
> Do you enjoy it?
No, it is a painful experience.
>
> Do you hate it?
Can't say that I feel this strongly about it either.
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?
Not in the least. We all have our own Stuff.
>
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?
See above.
>
> What are you wearing?
Hot pink tshirt and obligatory baggy black pants covered in cat hair. No socks - this is Florida.
>
>
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2006, at 20:28:25
In reply to Re: Do you like small talk?, posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 19:30:26
I love to walk up to people in doctor's offices discuss meds. diagnoses and what they do , who they know, what they know about things. And the same with the neighbors, and people on the street or stores. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 22:23:22
In reply to Re: Do you like small talk?, posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2006, at 20:28:25
when people in line at the grocery store start to talk to me
even the checkout clerks fill me with dread that my words will dry up in my mouth or i will say something incredibly stupid
or so obscure that they just look at me, mouth hanging open in puzzlement
does it sound like this has happened to me?
all the time
no wonder i want to buy my groceries on the internet
CS
Posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 22:24:14
In reply to i get scared, posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 22:23:22
thank you for posting to me phillipa
i am an idiot
and i know it
Posted by fairywings on February 7, 2006, at 22:51:31
In reply to Re: Do you like small talk?, posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2006, at 20:28:25
> I love to walk up to people in doctor's offices discuss meds. diagnoses and what they do , who they know, what they know about things. And the same with the neighbors, and people on the street or stores. Fondly, Phillipa
*What's the usual reaction? Do you mean you ask the drs. office staff or patients? If someone came up to me at my drs. office and asked me my diagnosis, or what meds I was on, I think I'd blush myself right out of there.Wish I had your gift of gab.
fw
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2006, at 23:18:26
In reply to Re: Do you like small talk? » Phillipa, posted by fairywings on February 7, 2006, at 22:51:31
fw it's funny but you find people love to talk about themselves and what's wrong with them and you learn so much about others this way. Strange maybe but they don't get embarrassed. And they love to compare meds. Everyone has their own story of what works for them or doesn't. And neighbors love to tell you what they are doing today. And most of mine have small dogs like I do and they play together it's so cute. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by AuntieMel on February 8, 2006, at 9:29:45
In reply to i get scared, posted by ClearSkies on February 7, 2006, at 22:23:22
That's why I carry a SuDoku book with me. I work on it in line and everyone leaves me alone.
Before SuDoku it was crosswords. Or I'd look at magazines while waiting.
Posted by LegWarmers on February 8, 2006, at 9:42:53
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
> How important is 'small talk' to you?
>Its important
> Do you enjoy it?
yes, unless I am in a bad mood or in a rush
> Do you hate it?no
>
> Do you find people who don't engage in it rude?sometimes, it depends...on thier reaction
>
> Do you find people who overly engage in it annoying?no I like it, unless...Im in a bad mood :)
> What are you wearing?
>
> ;-)
>jeans and a pink sweater and socks.
Posted by crazy teresa on February 8, 2006, at 13:41:15
In reply to Do you like small talk?, posted by Sobriquet Style on February 7, 2006, at 11:44:03
Posted by Sobriquet Style on February 8, 2006, at 16:32:33
In reply to Why do you ask? (nm) » Sobriquet Style, posted by crazy teresa on February 8, 2006, at 13:41:15
Thanks everyone, I would like to respond to each message individually but I'd take up half the thread which may look like i'm overly engaging!
Small talk is something I could improve on.
Sometimes in the past I was extreamly good at it (maybe slightly annoying, to some) other times I'm as quiet as a mouse. Guess that balance's it all out in a sense. That said, I'd rather I wasn't so extream.
You're answers have greatly helped me.
Just been exercising, shorts and a t-shirt, slightly moist.
:-)
~
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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