Do you enjoy small talk with strangers, or do you try to avoid it at all costs?

[lovin'fl]

I am an introvert who can easily chat with strangers. I would personally rather chat with strangers for a few minutes rather than spend more than a few minutes with actual acquaintances. Like at a party or something. Or the mothers of my sons schoolmates. That is really painful for me, especially afterwards. It takes me a long time to recover from spending real time with people I am not close to. Chatting for a bit with a stranger, is easy peasy in comparison. But I did grow in the restaurant industry and I also grew up in the Midwest. My husband says my politeness mixed with my welcoming face gets me in trouble. He says I am a magnet for people.(people that he does not want to talk to lol)

Sounds like me.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Generally speaking, yes. People with no situational awareness rub me the wrong way though.

 

[Allison]

Utterly no interest in talking to strangers in person.

Extroverts are just attention seekers and I'm not there to keep their egos entertained.

That Isn't what an extrovert is.

 

[Feralpeg]

If it breaths, I'll talk to it. I love starting conversations with strangers. I especially love talking to folks at the parks. However, if I see they are not interested, I back off. I've met some really wonderful people by striking up a random conversation.

Utterly no interest in talking to strangers in person.

Extroverts are just attention seekers and I'm not there to keep their egos entertained.

Not true. Some people are just open and friendly. I like people. I enjoy talking to people. It's not attention seeking at all. It's just who I am.

You'd be surprised at how nice people can be if you just give them the chance.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Depends on my mood and my blood alcohol level.

 

[Domo]

I try to talk to the homeless - they're only human and need a little contact.

 

[TheDisneyNurse]

I love talking! Small talk is how I made some of my greatest friends I have now.

 

[Cubbiecakes]

That Isn't what an extrovert is.

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

 

[Floridaman999]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

That doesn't sound very clinical at all. Just sounds pretty judgmental and opinionated to me.

 

[mjkacmom]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

So friendly people are selfish? The ones I know are lovely, nice people. Personally, I hate to be the center of attention, I’m a follower vs. leader, and the only friends I have on social media are actual friends or acquaintances. I enjoy cute puppy videos, and knowing what is going on in my community. I’m sorry you feel like you do, it’s pretty sad.

 

[Allison]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

Again, not correct. What are you going for here?

 

[Allison]

It's interesting seeing so many comments from the non-chatty folks/introverts that are among some of the most prolific posters on the Dis.

It is actually what I would expect. It has appeared to me that there are posters who use this board as their social interaction because they may struggle to connect with others face to face and may not socialize with others past the computer screen.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

I think you're mixing up extroverts with another group of people, and painting them with a very broad stroke. Not sure why the attack on outgoing people. Don't need an explanation, however, I'm grateful I don't hold the same opinion. I think I would lose out on a lot of opportunities to meet people that way.

I do agree with Gumbo4x4 where people should pay attention to whether their conversation is welcomed or not.

 

[shh]

This thread is therapeutic

 

[Squirlz]

Again, not correct. What are you going for here?

Attention. Don't feed it.

 

[Floridaman999]

This thread is therapeutic

That's one word for it.

 

[HopperFan]

I would much rather converse with strangers than most the people I know.

With strangers the conversations are usually short,
usually very polite and positive,
often interesting conversation
or legitimate interest.

They rarely want anything from me,
rarely pry deeper than is polite,
often make me laugh
or I learn something new,
and we part ways
often with a smile.

I can recall and share many conversations
I have had with strangers, many at Disney.
They often make an impression.
People I know, not so much.

That said I am not an extrovert or introvert,
just more anti-social but step up where needed.
I rarely initiate conversation unless I see a reason,
but I don't mind, most the time, when others do.



NOTE: Good thread question, interesting answers.

 

[Kitty 34]

For as much time as I spend on the DIS CB I guess I love talking with strangers.

And yes, I will make small talk at the casino BJ tables before I want to make small talk with someone from my little home town.

 

[mom2rtk]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

Oh my.

 

[Feralpeg]

Not strictly, no. That’s just an observation I’ve made for the past 40+ years. More clinically, I would say that extroverts are people without rich internal monologues who can’t be bothered to think (or be alone with their thoughts).

Extroverts run media (because they need to talk incessantly, feel “popular,” get their egos stroked, and basically just have people pay attention to them at all times), so it’s ingrained in everyone from a young age that extroverted behavior is more socially acceptable and that extroverts are “friendlier.” Really, they are just selfish and needy messes.

I think that's a sad way to look at people.