It is interesting to read all these different takes on it. I dont mind small talk as long as the person doesnt drone on about things etc. I am always "polite" t

It is interesting to read all these different takes on it. I dont mind small talk as long as the person doesnt drone on about things etc. I am always "polite" to people in service jobs because I really appreciate good service, I think its somewhat rare and hard to do day in and day out. I have a lot of empathy and am a good judge of someones mood etc so I am "good" at small talk. Something unexpected or a compliment or some such thing can go a long way. I will often say off the wall responses to "how are you doing?" if the circumstance seems right. "I think I am doing well but I could be dying of something and not know it" I view small talk as a chance to sharpen your people skills, can you effect someones mood for the better with a few short words? I find that skill comes in handy in all sorts of work/life environments. After not saying anything to bartender for like half hour or so, I said "I am going to have to complain to your manager because you are working too hard and its making me tired just to watch watch you." After about 2 months I went back to same bar and bartender remembered me and said "I havent seen you in a long time I thought I scared you away by working too hard" and I got a free drink :)