Ohh, I didn't mean to say that you should smile all the time😄 I just wanted to mention it as a good conversation starter, having a smile on your face when approaching someone makes the conversation lees uncomfortable and makes both you and the other person feel more relaxed.
I agree both with Daniel and Jean. What usually makes a conversation awkward is over focusing on ourselves and the way "we should" respond. Just trying to be curious about the other person, asking him/her questions about themselves and showing up as a friendly easy-going human being can turn any conversation from awkward to smooth and engaging.And yes, smile smile smile!! It shifts the whole energy!
It's always helpful to smile. I am an introvert and showing excitement when talking with someone makes them feel valued. It's great to find a common ground and reflect what the other person seems to be feeling or thinking about the topic.
As someone with autism, I find it extremely difficult to engage in small talk. I have come up with a sort of method for coping.
One method I use to deal with the situation, is to ask questions to discover a subject that the individual enjoys. Once I discover this I allow that person to speak at great lengths about it, and this reduces a lot of the anxiety I feel and allows my brain time to respond.
Oh, now i get it. Thanks for your wonderful advice.
Wouldn't I look like creep, if I just smile?
I agree both with Daniel and Jean. What usually makes a conversation awkward is over focusing on ourselves and the way "we should" respond. Just trying to be curious about the other person, asking him/her questions about themselves and showing up as a friendly easy-going human being can turn any conversation from awkward to smooth and engaging. And yes, smile smile smile!! It shifts the whole energy!
It's always helpful to smile. I am an introvert and showing excitement when talking with someone makes them feel valued. It's great to find a common ground and reflect what the other person seems to be feeling or thinking about the topic.
As someone with autism, I find it extremely difficult to engage in small talk. I have come up with a sort of method for coping.
One method I use to deal with the situation, is to ask questions to discover a subject that the individual enjoys. Once I discover this I allow that person to speak at great lengths about it, and this reduces a lot of the anxiety I feel and allows my brain time to respond.