What strikes me most about this article is how the author only sees these comments as personal slights and not as the social hooks they are (probably mostly) in

What strikes me most about this article is how the author only sees these comments as personal slights and not as the social hooks they are (probably mostly) intended to be. It's a common way to strike up a conversation by latching on to an interesting fact and instead of responding with humor or grace. Saying a "school in New England" might solve the temporary problem of awkwardness, but it really throws away a chance to connect with people or to stand out positively for something rightfully earned. This is a lack of deft social skills and being uncomfortable in your own skin.