> This isn't a "fake it until you make it" scenario. I disagree; I think that's exactly what it is, and on two timescales. There's within the individual conve

> This isn't a "fake it until you make it" scenario. I disagree; I think that's exactly what it is, and on two timescales. There's within the individual conversation -- especially with another introverted-ish person. You might have to struggle your mutual way through some boring shit for a few go-rounds until one of you says something that opens up the window of the conversation. And on the scale of year over year, I think it's learned behavior that stupid small talk can be a pathway to better things. I have great friends that I immediately fell in stride with, as you say, and I have great friends that took time to get to that point. Both are precious.