Originally Posted by
MIRecovery 
I was never great in social settings but 35 years ago my boss told me about a book called, "A lifetime guide to conversation." Our anxiety is generated because we don't know what to say. The book tells us that people love to talk about themselves so come armed with 20 open end questions that will allow people to tell you about them. When the conversation dies just go to the next question. 35 years latter I have found it to work every time
I often use the question approach. It does work well.
It seems to open the door to free-flowing conversation after an initial question or two.
One thing lately I'm noticing is that I am perfectly ok these days with silence. I don't feel the need to keep things going. It's not my responsibility. If someone doesn't want to chat, I am all too happy for the silence. I prefer it that way; I can think.
