Small Talk

Small Talk

Here, it is quite common to have a small talk with people you meet on your way. It was common back in my hometown as well. I also know in some European countries it is not used at all. I do not know if it is a good idea or not, talking to people you meet every day. In fact, I doubt if this small talk is as useful as it should be.

Here is the story. You ask someone you are passing if they are okay. That is a really nice way to care about people around you, there is no doubt about it. However, the question is, do you really care about how this person feels, or it is just a habit? In addition, does this person feel comfortable enough to tell you the truth? Furthermore, do you both have enough time to listen to each other? Well, being a part of this society, I ask people how they are doing. I care about them. We cannot be indifferent about our surroundings. Yet, it happened to me that we were both in such a rush that we did not even wait to hear “thanks, I’m doing well.” We heard the answer when we had passed each other a few steps!

I cannot deny that sometimes you feel much better after a very short conversation with your neighbor, colleague or co-worker. You share positive energy with the people you meet. An old man lives in our neighbor who shovels snow a hundred times per day! I feel more energetic when I see him as I leave the house and say good morning to each other. Sometimes small talk can be the beginning of a friendship. I have experienced it before. My other surmise is that maybe saying that you are fine can cause you feel really better. I am not sure about this statement. It has happened to me that I felt even worse when I had to falsely say I am feeling well! At this moment, the idea that small talk is the most nonsensical talk arises again in my mind! I hate pretending I am feeling well when I am struggling for something that I cannot talk about.

I have thought about this matter several times. I go back and forth and cannot reach any decision. If some people can get positive energy from small talk, which I believe is true, I agree with that. However, pretending that I feel well when I am fighting a battle inside is not easy for me.

I appreciate your correction and would love to hear your comments.
Thanks

-Very well done, it needed very little editing. You don't need to capiatlize the o in okay if you spell it out, but use capitals for OK.

Hi, Amene! I've made a few minor corrections:

"...the question is if..." (don't use "that" to introduce an embedded question)
sometimes (ends in "s")
neighborhood (your neighbors are the people who live in your neighborhood.)
... I leave the house and we say... (you changed the subject from 1st person sing. to plural)
I also surmise that... (We use "surmise" as a verb.)
cause you to feel better (always use infinitive with "to" after "cause."
the most nonsensical talk -- nonsense is a noun, nonsensical is the adjective, albeit a somewhat comical one (:

Excellent, Amene.. I believe you'll pass for a native some day soon, at least in writing. I agree with your point about Americans always saying "fine," no matter how they really feel. In Latin America, people will often tell you how they're really feeling. Of course, even in English speaking countries, with people you really feel close to, you'll certainly give a more meaningful answer.