The year I fell for small talk

Small talk gets a bad rap for being inane and superficial, but it can open up chances to form unexpected bonds

- Pooja Singh

A big part of my job is talking, and listening, to people. Naturally, that requires a lot of predictable small talk.

For years, I found these superficial exchanges draining, both physically and emotionally. But they are convenient—and, more importantly, necessary. You stay connected while remaining safely disconnected. If you're an introvert like me, small talk can be self-preserving: a way to avoid being ambushed with questions about your deepest fears or most entrenched beliefs.

That changed this year.