When I read novels, or newspaper clips (from Life section, most prolly), or some random articles on social interaction or motivation, I would sometimes come across excerpts stating that weather is always a topic for small talk. Y'know, to 'break the silence'. I would pause and think, really? People do that?
And so, lately, I start to notice that people do like to comment about the weather. Like, when my colleague was driving and I was sitting beside him.. and he mentioned something like.. "it's raining" "hot, isn't it?" or another colleague who said something about humidity and the weather being inconsistent. (or was it the same colleague? Heh.) Honestly, I am not interested in that conversation. But I would reply politely, go with the flow, as one would say. I prefer to just keep quiet or answer questions that are meaningful.
I wonder why can't people talk about things like..
1- So, what did you do yesterday?
2- What music do you like to listen to?
3- I was reading an article about ______
4- Do you know that _______
5- I heard you have a cat, what's its name?
6- Hey.. if you don't mind, I want to ask you about your religion.
7- Do you play sports?
8- Tell me about ________
9- What do you think of _________
10- Any interesting stuff you read from the net?
11- Oh! I bought (I watched, I went to..) ________ and it's awesome! [description, review here]
I am not saying that people are not chatting about these at all, what I am saying is when trying to bridge a conversation gap, let's pick a topic from which you and the other party can share further, rather than the weather. C'mon! Even if you don't know that person very well, surely you can find other common themes. And even if you both won't elaborate more, at least one would learn a little something new from the other and vice versa. Why talk about something damn obvious?!
Writing this, I really hope I won't be someone who brings up the weather topic in any conversation.
I usually keep my mouth shut and look out the window during car rides. It is either because I simply do not have anything to say, or that I feel slightly awkward being in the same vehicle (the latter usually applies to people I am not close with). So I would like it if that person asks or share with me any of the above, except no. 5. Coz I don't have a cat. No pets.
Speaking of weather, I recorded a short clip while waiting for the rain to recede at Biopolis. We were stuck there for about 20-30 minutes. Last Monday. I want to show how heavy the rain was. Could hardly see the Fusionopolis building!
p.s. the gals in the vid are my colleagues and attachment students. Hee~~
