☀️ On Small Talk, Sweat, and Starting Somewhere
This 4th of July, let's talk about the weather and actually enjoy it
On a 4th of July trip in Maine yesterday I visited the Umbrella Cover Museum—yes, you read that right. A whole museum dedicated to the fabric sleeves that come with umbrellas and I usually chuck in the trash.
The museum’s mission? To celebrate the mundane. To remind us that what we usually overlook or throw away might be worth noticing, appreciating, honoring.
It got me thinking about small talk. Especially in summer as we exchange casual chit chat about sweating and humidity. This week’s post is about how small talk—yes, even about the weather—isn’t meaningless. It’s a doorway. Something to try at your 4th ‘o July festivities!
Read the full article in Psychology Today here!
🎆 Substack-only bonus: I’m sharing a handful of playful prompts to help you turn the mundane into something memorable—whether you’re in the workplace lunch room, a coffee shop, or waiting for the elevator.
Got a favorite go-to line or moment when small talk led somewhere real? Hit reply or drop it in the comments—I’d love to feature a few in a future post.
Here’s to celebrating the ordinary, umbrella covers, chit chat, and each other.
Alex
Offbeat conversation starters for everyday moments:
By the lunchroom microwave: “Any hot takes on Tupperware? I’m count it as a win if the lid fits.”
At the coffee machine: “You a one-cup person or caffeine junky?”
By the printer: “Do you actually trust this machine, or is it blind faith every time?”
Waiting for the elevator: “You press once, or mash the button like somehow that will give you back an extra hour in your day?”
In line at fast casual lunch spot: “Creature of habit or menu explorer?”
On public transit: “Do you ever wonder where all these people are going? Where are you off to?”
After someone shares a success in a meeting: “What was it like to share that tiny victory with the group?”
When walking the same way after saying goodbye: “Funny how fast we rush farewells—and then still end up walking together.”
During an “awkward” silence before a meeting or event: “Would you call this a comfortable quiet—or more of an awkward silence? What’s the difference for you?”
Happy 4th, by the way!
Hi Alex. Cute lines, but using them in Iceland to other than good friends would likely get you a puzzled reaction. A bit too familiar for the reserved Nordic social culture…..