Small talk

Yeah u got it right. Its something we do daily. Well, almost.

And it's funny that after years and years of experience in this field, we are still at a loss of words at the thought of it.What do you say to a stranger sitting next to you in a park?

I once tried 'I hate cats' to someone in a park when I saw an evil kitten clawing at  the leg of the bench near me..No sooner than I had uttered these words, a glare so piercing was directed at me, I think that it burnt a hole right through my head and my sanity level has not been the same ever since. Turns out than flannel pants and granny glasses was not only a cat enthusiast, but also owned more than 6 cats of every shape, size and temperament possible!!

So much so for trying to make friendly conversations!

What is the right thing to say? 'Hi, I'm so-and-so' didn't work too well at one time. No sooner than I uttered my name, obsessed-stalker added me on linked-in, facebook, Myspace and all other social networking sites that I'm probably a member of since i was 15!

Where is the normalcy? In today's world, is it forbidden to exchange a few kind words, maybe phone numbers and in case you click, meet at a cafe to have more 'small talk'? Yessir. Today, you need to ask yourself so many questions before giving out something as simple as your first name that maybe an eternity will pass if you try and answer each of the questions popping into your mind.

Were people simpler in olden days or is that an illusion?

Ironically, we are revealing a tad bit much information in the virtual world by posting pictures, listing relationship details, home phone numbers and work address; and here we are, not even comfortable in saying out your name in real life.

Make no mistake, even though most of our information is 'private' on websites, that very information is present in so many networks that it will take probably half an hour of a dedicated Goggle search for someone to figure out where you live or what you had for breakfast.

Gone are the days when you met new people in your friend circle and actually listened intently to what they do, where they live etc, cuz well, you're gonna find all about them on facebook anyways!! Probably even more than your 1 hour long meeting!
So the next time I sit next to someone is the subway, I doubt I'll start with , 'hi, what's your name?' 'The world might end in 2012' seems a little less inappropriate, don't you think!?