If you find it awkward to make small talk, you are not alone. While it can be daunting, it is also one of the best ways to ...

Charles Duhigg, author of "The Power of Habit," argues that small talk isn't an innate skill, but rather a learned behavior that can be studied and crafted to perfectly suit any situation — whether ...

In a recent article for Wired magazine, Kristin Berman and behavioral economist Dan Ariely share their experience hosting a dinner party with one key rule: “Absolutely no small talk.” Apparently, the ...

On the list of things that people hate, making small talk ranks right in between Congress and receiving spam. Small talk can be awkward, uncomfortable and even intimidating. After all, there are far ...

Small talk may be the most maligned category of conversation. For many, it's a time-waster with no redeeming qualities other than mindless chatter. Yet, when properly understood and applied, small ...

ATLANTA — You're standing in line at the supermarket or drugstore when a stranger speaks up. "Hello, how are you?" the stranger greets you. "Good, and you?" might be your response. Your conversation ...

Do you dread trading niceties with retail clerks and assorted other strangers when you are out in public? Do you go out of your way to avoid neighbors and co-workers so that you do not have to engage ...

Small talk has been a pain point for me for years, but it sank to new lows at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was at the playground one day, sweating in a K-95 while pushing my maskless ...

Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. You’re standing in line at ...

Contrary to its name, small talk is important. It is the segue to job interviews, friendships, romantic relationships, meaningful connections and of course great conversations. But discussing light ...

A close-up of a barista making a delicious latte coffee with milk. “Maybe it’s just a midwestern thing, but can we please stop having the cashiers ask intrusive questions to the patrons as they check ...