I feel like “Hey, how are you?” is many cases has been watered down and we don’t even ask it genuinely. (Now obviously this is different when it comes to our friends & family… but do we REALLY care how you are if I have no idea who you are?) I don’t know what the answer to that is.

I like to sometimes mess with people when they ask me how I am and respond with something like, “Ahhhh crapalicious.” or “I feel like I just starred in my own version of Brigadoon.” and see what they say.

When I was in a sorority in college, we had to learn all types of serious conversation skills and it was really hard for some people… especially when you would talk to that girl who was the equivalent of a brick wall. In fact, a brick wall would at least bounce something back at you.

I like trying to relate to people in some way – complement them (genuinely, of course, don’t be a douche) on something they are wearing). Find out something about them. People are really interesting – Don’t be superficial.
Just my two cents… but this has totally inspired me to write a blog post on this.

Thanks, Laurie!

@george Those pants totally make your ass look big.

HAHA!

I usually go with a casual “how’s it going”. That sometimes brings up a few safe topics of conversation. I know they are safe because the other party brought them up. If the onus is on me, I usually go with having satisfied my Starbucks fix. talking about coffee is pretty safe too.

Also, my brain hurts.

@Deborah Ubuntu. So interesting. When I think universal, I think global. Weather affects everyone, but not everyone has a family.

@JC Everyone loves music, and if they don’t, I don’t feel bad about finding someone else to talk to. That’s bad ass.

@akabruno Can you break the ice by asking someone to talk about themselves? “Give me an example of a time you were awesome. What did you do? How did you feel? What did you learn from it? How did others respond?”

@Fran I’m with you. Weather it is.

@BZTat I couldn’t talk to my nana about my cats because ‘they are dirty.’ I think a love of critters seems universal but isn’t. That disappoints me.

@Amanda Hmmmm. I hate talking about love. I don’t believe in it. Not romantic love, anyway. I love Ken, I love my cats — but what we think of as “love” is often hormones + chemical reactions in the brain. Mature love is loyalty and honor and commitment. So when I hear people talk about love, I generally puke in my mouth. This might be next week’s friday theme. What is love?

@Jeff Oh well. You tried.

@Puf If someone asked me who are you/what do you do/why should I care? — I would walk away.

@Jill not everyone drinks. I guess everyone eats, though!

@Glen We’ll stick to the weather.

@Dan Are bathrooms (and poo) universal? Maybe.

@Alison Food is always good but it’s not stripped down to the core and simple like weather.

@HRHooligan I can’t tell you how many people roll their eyes at me when I talk about my cats.

@Sue I know for a fact that FUN is not universal.

@Andrew Weather can’t get you sued. Or can it?

@Jon Alcohol can be a dangerous topic.

@Michael Does everyone work? Not the women in Afghanistan. Taliban don’t allow it — so be careful with your small talk in Kandahar.

@Steve I don’t think there is a universal small-talk topic. Does this include weather? You disagree?

@MattyMat Those topics aren’t universal, though. Those topics are matty-versal!!

@David But is music an ice breaker? I don’t tell people my favorite albums at first — or do I? I dunno. I have to think about this.

@Marsha How about gerbil yams? Ever hear of those?

@Phillip Yeah, uh, conspiracy theories are fun but not as an ice breaker. “I hear the Jew Bankers and the Terrorist Arabs are teaming up with Pelosi, Obama, and the UN to take over Alabama.”

@Steven I love how you know about the Risk movie.

@Bev True but is that universal? Maybe. You just have to know local current events, I guess.

@HRStalker I see your point, but pnly a stalker would meet someone and ask, “What keeps you awake at night?” Answer: stalkers! But #rhb is a good idea. Will do more research.

@Robert “There’s no such thing as foul weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Wow, I love that.

@Michoan LOL, thanks!

@Sabrina Is there traffic in northern Canada? I think that’s a regional, but not universal, ice breaker.

I don’t really like talking about myself so I do end up talking about the weather (to kick things into gear) but I do love creative way to talk with others. Thanks for the great ideas!