Ha, what is small talk anyway?  I guess it is phrases that I keep in my pocket when I want to be kind, friendly but detached.  “How are your kids?”  “Have you been watching the Olympics?”  “Some weather we’re having, huh?”  I like being with people, but some days I don’t want to be too vulnerable, and there are people I’m honestly not that interested in.

Plus some people don’t seem to be able to talk beneath their surface.  I’ve given up judging–for the most part–and recognize it is their business.  It does bother me, however, when it is people I care for that continue small talk to me, when I can’t get through that shield of platitudes and “niceness”.  Hearing “I’m fine, thank you,” always makes me hear “I’m Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional.”  But again, that’s a legitimate warned to me to keep my distance.

I appreciate those friends who have an easy open door.  I can be honest and sad, joyful and silly, sharing what is really going on.  Or even not answering the phone knowing that my insides are spilling over my outsides and the conversation would be too muddy or too cranky.

Today I dive into my Beloved One, wrap myself in Her cloak of comfort.  There is no talk needed here with Her at all.