[mulan]

I hate my social skills. I have been trying to improve them, what is very hard.
I have been researching on my own how I can do better, I think a lot about the way I behave and I try to understand myself and what others expect from me. I also give my self talks about what I should or shouldn't do. And I am seeing a psychologist. But I am not sure if I am getting somewhere, or if there's something I can do about it.

I don't know if my problem is in small talk or talk in general. Well, but that is another big world...
I want to know how other people feel about small talk, tips... Sometimes I feel that I can't make small talk because my brain abilities are damaged somehow and I think less than other people do. I am trying to convince myself this is not an absolute true. So, if I am not demanding to much, I would like someone to prove it to me.

Thank you in advance for the replies.

[Bill3]

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...utf-8&oe=utf-8

[rachel_]

Small talk is difficult for lots of us, so you're not alone, trust me. I find that small talk is a little easier if you're around people in a setting like a volunteer opportunity, then you can talk to them about what you're doing in your volunteer role. Also, if you have hobbies, maybe consider joining a group dedicated to that and see what happens.

The most important thing is to not stress about it too much. I know that's easy for me to say and not so easy for you to do, but the second a person starts to stress out, they can't focus on trying to have a conversation.

[OfficeWarrior]

Nono... you don't need to become MORE self aware, you need to become less self aware.

Small talk should come naturally if you're not being self aware. Ever have problems finding things to say to your granny? I guess not... it's the same thing with total strangers, it's only 'you' that's different.

[MiddayNap]

I tend to ask a lot of questions so that the other person is responsible for directing the conversation. People assume I am a good listener, but really I just don't understand what I am supposed to respond with due to my apathetic nature. I recommend this method.

[hayley3]

The more interests you have the easier it is to make small talk. Now that I'm older, small talk is easier but people talk about the weather cause they have nothing else to talk about at the moment. lol One good thing is to complement them on something if you run out of things to say...that's a conversation starter right there. But it's hard for everyone except this one girl I work with who tells everyone everything about anything she does. hehehe