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Amy Anderson's avatar

With the caveat that this only works with people you already know, my fallback small talk hack is always something that they told me before. You tell me at the PTA meeting that you managed to get Taylor Swift tickets for your daughter? When I see you on the sidelines of the soccer game a month later, I will ask you whether you liked the surprise songs. Did you bring a book to the playground? First of all, can I sit by you (the number of people who bring physical books anywhere is rapidly dwindling which means they are almost always My People) and second, what is it and next time I see you, did you like it? My five year old daughter has also picked up the "compliment opening" because I have heard her tell girls at the playground "I like your shoes" at least half a dozen times, and I chuckle to myself but you know what, it usually works!

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Heather Sleightholm's avatar

Ahh, I love when friends from various internet corners come together, Kristin Haakenson and I have had many a conversation about carved Hallowtide veggies ;)

And I feel like I need someone to discuss Beckham (aside from my husband) with. I was not prepared to feel such Mom-sympathy for him. In the 90s I way too far on the moody alternative side of culture to know much about Posh and Becks but they really won me over in the documentary.

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