Small-talk is tolerable for short periods of time. Trivial matters are boring to me. My sister in FL often likes to babble on about stuff I have no interest in, such as her cats, TV shows I don't care about, books she is reading etc. Let's get down to business and quit wasting my time.
There are tons of things in which I have no interest and no tolerance/patience for either. On the other hand sometimes small talk can lead to astonishing things. I experienced that a couple of days ago in the waiting room of a dentist's office. I even asked a question about. It depends upon my mood. Sometimes I just don't want to engage with anyone and so I avoid eye contact and if asked a question give a very short reply. But sometimes I'm a chatty cathy and I don't know why. I just go with the flow! Of course it depends on the "vibes" I get from a person. Hostile vibes do not appeal to me. Some folks are very open and friendly and polite. I respond well to them.
This post was edited by RosieG at May 4, 2018 6:46 AM MDT
If I am out and about and I see a veteran, we will often chat for a few. I met a retired 3-star Marine general once. I am easy to spot; I always wear my Navy Retired cap.
How very cool that is . Oh can only other military salute? If I saw ya and I saluted would I be impudent and out of line? Isn't saluting a sign of respect? Are there rules to it? I'm glad you chat with vets m'dear. I mean who else knows what they've been through and would understand? Certainly no civilian! Thank you for your reply! I think I told you my dad was a Marine in the first world war and served two tours so I think had I been so inclined and a guy I'd be a Marine too. Couldn't be a flyer. I have a fear of heights. Or could I? It's funny when I'm in a commercial plane I like to sit by the window and look out. I have no sensation of being up high. But if I'm on a balcony 3 stories high and look over the edge my knees get weak. That makes no sense. Sir. Colonel? Major? Sergeant? Lieutenant? General? Admiral? Captain? I get all the ranks confused in all the services. I expect that is one of the very first things you memorize when you join the military!
This post was edited by RosieG at May 4, 2018 6:41 AM MDT
I'm not a fan of small talk. However, I would greet someone if they greeted me first. Saying "Hi" doesn't cost anything, but does cost my sanity if it turns into small talk.
Butcha know Zack sometimes pleasant small talk can turn into very useful surprising memorable big talk. It happened to me a couple of days ago in the waiting room of a dentist's office. It turns out the gal sitting to the left of me and I had some unbelievable things in common. Incredible things. It just started out with her making a simple comment and my acknowledging it. Such chats are pleasant and short-lived. Usually. But ya never know what you're gonna find if you just put yourself out there a tiny bit. Thank you for your reply.
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