The holidays are full of office parties, neighbourhood fêtes and family get togethers that can at times be… awkward. These are not the girls you joke around with over a bottle of wine. Uncle Yves and cousin Patricia can be tough going when it comes to small talk.
But I have the best line that never fails….
Are you going on holiday any time soon?
or
Did you go away on holiday over the summer?
Trust me guys, it works. In my old job when most of what I did was ‘relationship building’ (i.e. chit chat) I would watch my colleague to see what he did and he always used this line. It’s pretty much a no-fail. Even if they aren’t going anywhere you can talk about why they are so busy. And if they are going away? People love to talk about past or future holidays.
It’s a game changer!
A few other things to remember:
“Deep breaths are very helpful at shallow parties.” – Barbara Walters
“Principles are like prayers – noble, of course, but awkward at a party.” – Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Downton Abbey)
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Michelle Little
Writer & Photographer
