I was never a fan of forced small talk — the kind that lingers in awkward silences and polite nods, like an uninvited guest at a gathering. It always felt more like filling dead air than making a real connection. I’ve never understood why we’re expected to trade weather updates or half-hearted compliments when silence or sincerity would serve us better. Conversations, to me, should mean something — even if it’s just a shared laugh or a moment of honest vulnerability. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet people, the ones who speak with intention and listen like it matters. They make space for something real to happen — and that’s where I’ve found the best moments, the ones that stay with me. So no, I was never a fan of small talk. But give me a conversation about what keeps you up at night, what makes you feel alive, or why you’re still chasing something — and I’m all in.