I hate chit chat. There’s an old saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I clearly don’t live by that saying, but one that I would like everyone to live by is, “If you can’t say anything interesting, don’t say anything at all.”
I’m tired of conversations about the weather people! Reach out. Take a risk. Be honest.
This morning, as I was walking into work, I ran into one of my coworkers- someone whom I don’t see much of because our jobs are so different- and I greeted her.
She asked me how I was doing, and I explained that I was in a good mood, that I had gone out the previous night with some friends, and that I was looking forward to the weekend.
She mentioned how nice the weather was.
I explained how I was worried about my fiance (she’s got some sort of viral-pneumonia-esque thing going on) and that I’m not sure where she got whatever she has.
She mentioned the weather again.
Fer chrissakes lady! I know, it’s nice outside. Now, maybe you could say something else?
And I totally understand when people don’t want to reach out to their coworkers. Frequently, I don’t want to. But when that happens, I just don’t say anything. They’ll say, “Hi” and I’ll say, “Hi” and it will end at that. If they decide to continue talking, I’ll engage them in conversation, UNLESS they decide to make idle chat.
Try something new today, or tomorrow. If someone asks you how you’re doing, tell them. You’ll either keep them from asking you anything ever again, or you’ll open yourself up to a less superficial relationship with that person.
But please, for the love of everything that is interesting, don’t engage in chit chat.
