Stop asking “How are you?”

Hello and happy Monday afternoon!

I had a busy weekend filled with various events and gatherings with my family. As a self-titled “semi-friendly introvert,” I find small talk at events like these very challenging for me. I overthink what I am supposed to say, and if I’m saying too much or not enough. And what do I even do with my hands? After the fact, I re-play what I said to a person and wonder if it was really awkward, or clumsy, or if I offended them somehow. It’s pretty exhausting. Over the years, I have made a concerted effort to put myself in uncomfortable situations to work on my shyness and fear of public speaking. It’s helped, but I still struggle with this often. 

I saw this article last week and I thought it may help those of you like me with the dreaded possibility of small talk.  Stop Asking “How are you?” And even if you aren’t introverted and don’t struggle with this, I thought this article does a good job at reminding us that it’s all about the connection to each other that makes our experiences worthwhile. 

Try one of the suggestions listed in the article this week and see if it helps take your conversation in a different direction. Have a great week!

Kate