I hate small talk and will avoid it at all costs.

That said, I could be the best at it, if I cared to, because 1) I know the hacks for making people respond to, like, trust, and open up; and 2) many of my natural behaviors fall squarely in line with those "hacks" (e.g. look people in the eye, smile, pay attention, be interested in what they have to say, ask probing questions, listen more than talk).

You know how in the old days kids would roll a hoop along the ground, guiding it with a stick? The way to make someone love you through conversation is like that: survey your scene, pick a smooth direction, get it rolling with a gentle, well-placed and -timed push, and guide with little nudges here and there--interfere as little as possible. Bonus points if you do nothing at all.

I recognize its value as a social lubricant, but I am notoriously poor at it. It just doesn't hold my interest. I'm more like... "Hi, nice to meet you. Do you think we have free will?"

Nope. Can’t even type it.

Lol people always say it's never boring around me. I can talk about anything.

I'm a talker in general no matter what the conversation. I never shut up, I will tire myself out.
On the other hand, certain tones hurt me ears.

Horrible at small talk. I avoid it whenever possible. If I have to have conversation, I’ll ask about their kids or significant other then space out. If you maintain a decent amount of eye contact no one knows or really cares that you’re not paying attention. Superficial conversation is more about the appearance of a connection anyway.

It all depends on the person I'm talking with. Sometimes it's awkward and sometimes it's like being with an old friend. I think personality and subject matter determine how comfortable it is to have small talk with acquaintances.

can't.

I can an do talk to strangers while standing in line. I am a pro at talking all the time yet saying nothing

Beginning conversation with somebody I don't know is awkward for me, and I don't feel comfortable in social situations with people I don't know. If I can establish some common interest, I seem to be able to hold my own, as long as it isn't too loud, because I have some hearing loss. This rules out most bars.

Its so boring. I could possibly care less about your feelings on the weather, the latest football score, or what fashions are best, but it would be tough.

I think my tolerance for small talk is limited to discussion about the weather — but the weather has some significance to me in the winter for driving conditions and snow removal, and it gives me an opportunity to bitch about something, so maybe it's not really small talk. But, yeah, I'm pretty awful at making small talk in general.

I don't like small talk, if I have nothing worth saying, I'll just stay silent. It always feels arbitrary and unnatural to do. I'll engage in it to an extent, but social butterfly I am not.

I'm good at it but I don't like it. I'd love to try this sometime. [wired.co.uk]

No. I suck at it and find it boring. The older I get the more comfortable I am with just not engaging in it.

I guess I am.
I just go up and start talking shit.
Nothing directed at anyone. Just crack jokes for the sake of cutting that awkward shit in the beginning. Especially if the other person isn't great at small talk either.
Either side of the fence can be annoying to be honest.

I do not do 'small talk'. That is my nightmare....I like banter, though...getting creative...I think being quiet at work has cost me permanent positions in the few 'real jobs' I have attempted. I work hard at anything I do. And sleep during my breaks.

Not at all. I envy those people who are good at it.

When I have to be for work. I don't mind shooting the breeze a little with people I meet walking my dog. I'll make an excuse and walk away when someone is intellectually challenged or annoying.

When I was 17 and as a beginner bank teller, I was great at the cash handling, good with numbers, polite, but I almost got fired for not doing the small talk. So I learned to fake it, and I fake it well. Just don't ask me to remember what anyone actually said.

I've always hated it but lately I just look at it as a chance to have some fun. Go off the ranch a little. See how people respond. It can be interesting. Other times I just stick to the weather.

sometimes i like small talk with strangers. sometimes you meet someone interesting, sometimes you don't. if I make somebody smile I figure it was worth it. especially older folks standing in line somewhere. it's doubtful to be a long conversation, so there's not much of a risk of getting hung up.

The answer is a resounding no. I have had my moments, but i tend to avoid it anyways - fortunately, people i generally would be rude to not engage in it with tend to have atleast a few of the same interests.

So, some weather we’re having right now huh?