Daily life is often filled with small talk. Simple exchanges of pleasantries that make social interaction easier and modern life tolerable. Not every conversation needs to be a heavy weight and meaningful exchange. More often than not, all you have to do is politely listen, express an appropriate response and end the verbal exchange on a positive note. It’s not exactly rocket science but that’s not to say that it’s easy for everyone. Some people seem to have an innate talent for this sort of social discourse. Mrs P is very good at it. She remembers people’s names, what they may have said previously and most importantly she shows interest. I’m not so good at small talk. I can do it but I tend to find that a continuous diet of it is unrewarding. Being effectively “retired”, I mainly meet others who are no longer working but they tend to be at least ten years my senior. In the UK the biggest factor that currently determines differing opinions on all major issues is age.