Why is it that when we start a conversation with someone new we always ask questions like: What is your year and major? How old are you? Whom do you work for? Where do you live? Where are you from or what is your ethnicity?Â
How come we choose to ask questions about people’s identity and quite frankly about their personal lives? Instead of jumping right into a conversation?Â
Recently I decided to hang out at my school’s lounge in order to get some reading. Another student walked in. He immediately complimented me on my purple hair, telling me how purple is his favorite color. From there, we talked about our language class and how difficult the professors can be at times with the homework. We then jumped into a conversation about our favorite artists and songs we like to listen to (even played a few). He eventually left but not before getting my Snapchat.
Since that day we began saying hi to each other around campus and catching up on what has been happening so far in our lives and sending music recommendations.Â
Skipping the small talk (as some people like to call it), allows the air to feel friendly. It eliminates the awkwardness that comes from racking your mind for the next question to ask. Both he and I were able to feel comfortable with one another, more relaxed (as both our body postures were not stiff but, sluggish as if we are friends having tea at one another’s house).Â
From that moment on, I have been trying to skip the “small talk” and jump straight into a conversation with people. I treat the conversation as if we are already friends.Â
Of course, not everyone reacts the way I hope but that is not going to discourage me. Neither should it you.Â