No Small Talk Only Small Talkers

Some weather we’ve been having lately, yeah?

This is the question that has become synonymous with small talk.

Small talk, we are told, is something we are not supposed to enjoy. Small talk is something to be endured. Small talk is something that you say when you don’t have anything to say. So… How about that weather? It sure is hot!

And it is!

It’s super hot out and it’s pretty much all I can think about!

But we’re not supposed to sit around making small talk. Small talk is a waste of time.

To that, I say humbug.

I don’t know if I can go so far as to say that I love small talk, but I will certainly declare that I find small talk to be quite enjoyable. Why do we look down on small talk so much? Obviously, we need to engage in other forms of communication. We need to have in depth logistical conversations to make things happen in the world. We need to have soul-bearing conversations to help us understand ourselves and share ourselves with those we love. We need to have brief conversations to answer simple questions. There are all sorts of different conversation styles that we need to employ, so why do we deride small talk as lesser-than?

Because it’s dang hot out! And when we next interact, you may be interested in what’s been going on in my life. And what’s been going on is the weather. Everyday, we wake up to a world in which our every decision is influenced by the weather. In what reasonable society would we look down on someone for talking about the thing that’s affecting their day the most?!

But also, small talk is a gateway. Even if it isn’t the most revelatory or earth-shattering, it is the best way to begin relationships. It would be weird if we met at a party and I immediately started telling you about why I’m feeling anxious, or ask you to help solve a significant ethical problem in my life. Instead, I’ll talk to you about the weather. And eventually, there will be something that has been affected by the weather, and the conversation moves to a new level. Layer after layer of social awkwardness and hesitance wear away because we eased into a conversation that will help build a relationship.

So talk about traffic!

Talk about weather!

Talk about the big game last night!

Talk to each other, begin to understand each other, begin to care about each other.

So, with that being said, it’s hot and I am grateful for air conditioning. And don’t even get me started about the construction traffic on 490.

Or do.

I’m fine with it.

Peace,

Jeff

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Whether you'd like to share thoughts on the humidity, the highway, or the latest heatwave, we’d love to hear them! Because most importantly, we’d love to get to know you. Come be part of our community each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, located at 1200 S. Winton Road in Brighton, NY. Let’s start with some small talk and see where the conversation takes us! If you have any questions, we welcome you to contact us anytime by calling our office at 585-244-8585, send an email through our contact form, or visit our site for a glimpse of who we are at www.twelvecornerschurch.org. We look forward to connecting with you!