Small Talk

I have been told that I am very good at small talk. I am happy to go out of my way to make small conversation with almost anyone. I think it is very important to try to spread positivity and make people happy.

I think it started when I spent a lot of time in the park. Every time a dog would run over to me, wanting to play, I would make small conversation with the owner. That, kind of, helped build my confidence up with talking to people. Well, that and I was told by a couple in their eighties that they travel the world and have visited almost every country together throughout their lifetime and I am the best waitress in the entire world, and being a waitress involved a lot of small talk.

When I was working at my previous job, last year, it was a law firm, who were based in an office block. The entrance was guarded by a security person. Every morning, lunch time and evening, when I walked past them, I always said hello, asked how their day was going, just a general, pleasant conversation. Sometimes we spoke about the weather, other times we spoke about family, things we were looking forward to, holidays, that sort of thing. I think that being a security guard, for an office block, must be an incredibly mundane job. Most members of staff barely acknowledge them, while others can be quite rude and talk down to them. Sometimes they may not have spoken to a person in a couple of hours, so I always made sure to try and brighten their day.

My supervisor used to say that she could not understand me. She said that the thought of making small talk with anyone was torturous. The truth is, I hate talking to people. I have bad anxiety. Some days, it is a struggle for me to do ordinary, daily tasks. Often, the thought of speaking with anyone is upsetting for me. I do it, in a way, to push myself out of my comfort zone, but in another way, it is because I like making people happy. Sometimes a smile, a simple, “Good morning. The weather is a little bit cold today, don’t you think?” that small, little interaction can help people. Then, the more that you make small talk, the more that person may look forward to seeing you walk through the door.

Before Christmas, I bought myself a book from ‘The Works’ and I was served by a lovely cashier. She had such a warm and kind personality. I asked her how her day was going, and despite having a really rough day, she made light of it and was so cheerful, polite and friendly. I made a point of telling her what a wonderful person she was and that our interaction had really affected me in a positive way.

I think that more people should try to make small talk with people. It will help to spread some positivity. The world is full of doom and gloom at the moment. It does not hurt to try to be nice. It should come instinctively, and therefore, take more effort to go out of your way to not be nice and friendly. Please try to be a good person and spread positivity throughout your day. Makw the world a better place because you are in it.

- Josie -