Damn well this was the perspective change I needed today
this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2025
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I think that small talk is an ever constant reminder of the pervasive nature that is 'wanting to be happy'.
Don't get me wrong, there isn't necessarily anything wrong with wanting to be happy. There is something wrong about being willing to sacrifice anything for what you perceive is the thing (or person, or hobby, or whatever) that will bring you happiness.
I think that the reason small talk is so fucking meaningless is because we all are just seeking some measure of peace and happiness in our lives. We simply can't tell everyone who asks that our day is going terribly, for one thing it will make us feel worse — for another it will also make everyone that has to tolerate us feel worse. So we say "Fine" or "Good" or "Tired" or "The weather has me down" or whatever other instantly acceptable and obvious answer is easiest and ends the interaction quickly.
I think if we allowed people to be more honest with themselves that things like small talk wouldn't really exist beyond trying to fill a silent void. But sure, friendly human noises go brrr.
So, how's the weather?
There has been a month of constant wet drizzle here.
That sounds lovely. Yesterday was cold, but today is going to be hot.
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(3 replies)
It’s disturbing how many single women put on their dating profiles how much they hate small talk. Like, how else do you get to know somebody?
Did you read the post?
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Absolutely love it
Thanks OP
As an autism, I would prefer society to function more like a Japanese train. I do not want to be bothered with small talk.
I actually feel like Arc Raiders has helped with this a bit.
I’m very distrustful of anyone who signals peaceful intent with nothing but an emote line. If people use voice comms, it shows a modicum of social openness, and helps humanize them. More often than not, people end up chatting about threats they’ve seen or where there’s useful loot.
There’s even a famous clip of a guy breaking open a bot who gets shot at, and he defuses the situation by yelling at the shooter that he expects better of him, and that they’re all just trying to get by.