To the editor: To reply the query posed within the headline: I hope not (“Can we get rid of small talk, please?,” July 5)! At a time when loneliness and disconnection have reached epidemic proportions in society, research has proven that small speak is helpful to emotional well-being.
It’s all about connection, irrespective of how temporary and the way slight. We will’t all have a significant “tete-a-tete” with Spike Lee on a Brooklyn avenue, as visitor contributor Elana Rabinowitz did. For many individuals, the Dealer Joe’s checker asking, “Any enjoyable plans for the weekend?” could be the solely in-person dialog they’ve that day.
With these on a regular basis exchanges, we’re principally expressing, “I’m acknowledging your presence, you might be acknowledging my presence.” Connection occurs. Even momentary connection can raise one’s spirit.
As an example, whereas strolling my canine on the wharf this morning, I met a person in a wheelchair watching the fishermen under us.
Him: Good morning.
Me: Good morning. Are you going fishing at the moment?
He: No, I’m watching my son fishing together with his grandfather down there.
Me: Cool! I want them luck.
He: Thanks. Take care!
Possibly he didn’t make my day, however he made my couple of minutes. Connection occurred.
Laura Owen, Marina del Rey
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To the editor: As a world-class small talker, I have to take difficulty with Rabinowitz’s op-ed.
Why not simply benefit from the small interactions with folks wherever you discover them fairly than being aggravated? Chill out; it takes only some seconds. I like asking the grocery store check-out employee how their day goes and simply listening to their response. It is usually enjoyable to say whats up with small speak in an elevator.
Not each dialog needs to be about Leo Tolstoy. And who is aware of? You may study one thing from small speak. I definitely have.
Man Heston, Las Vegas
