In (off-duty) social situations with co-workers wherein the agreement is to not talk shop, how difficult is it to not talk shop? ~

About a 7.

We always agreed to not talk shop after one hour.  By then the drinks were kicking in and the band had started.

It depends on how well I know the person.  If all we have in common is the work environment, Very difficult.  If I can find something other than work we have in common, really easy.

I know you are going to find this really hard to believe... big winks and smile BUT I can pretty much talk about anything to anyone at any given time. 

This is not a benefit.  I have talked my way into some very precarious situations.  

Ha ha.  My co-workers don't even talk shop AT work.  Not difficult at all.  We have a pact that we do not speak of clients at all, because that is invasive.  We don't dish the others because everyone will hear about it in 15 seconds or less.  And we definitely do not discuss managerial issues.  We are pros and we know what happens when any negative spin is placed on the workplace.

However, discussing positive ways to improve work is always invited and there is zero reason not to discuss these ideas anywhere, any time.  Why would it not be invited?  It helps improve life at work.  So, why not?   

I hate small talk and I don't bother to engage in social situations where that is the idea.  Blah, blah, blah.
I am friendly, but I don't need to hear about people's private-life dramas unless we are close.

If you cant talk shop ,then talk "Store" and go buy buy buy....:)    We are talking shoes aren't we....!?!?!? 

very difficult

Comma between workers and wherein.In the Navy it was easy. Not so much while teaching, but I didn't socialize with them much. This post was edited by Element 99 at December 18, 2018 11:23 AM MST

It comes up occasionally, however not often