Fear of Small Talk: How to Avoid the Stop-and-Chat

Here's the scenario: you're walking along, minding your own business, when all of a sudden you see someone you know. Maybe you know them pretty well, maybe you can't even remember their name, but either way you'd just rather not converse with this person at that time. What do you do? Here are a few helpful tips to avoid these unnecessary and potential awkward exchanges.

Avoiding eye contact is key. This is most likely the event that will initiate the stop-and-chat. Remember: once eye contact is made, there is little you can do to avoid the other person...they've seen you see them!

Be a keen observer. When you are in public, try to be aware of everything and everyone that is around you. Hopefully, you will see any potential small-talk instigators before they see you. This is the easiest way to avoid eye contact.

Note: It's completely possible that a person you might want to avoid could be a keen observer, as well. Rest assured. Most likely, they're keeping watch for the same reason as you. Just give him or her the "gun and the wink," acknowledging your shared mission.

Do not run or dive into bushes. If you get a jump on them and see them first, you're first instinct may to be just turn and run or perhaps dive into some bushes. This will only draw attention to yourself and the person you trying to evade might see it. This could lead to a conversation where you're trying to explain why you ran or dove in the bushes, which could, potentially, be more awkward than the conversation you were trying to avoid!

Be calm and use your surroundings to your advantage. If you're on your way to class and see someone heading your way, start digging around in your bag and don't look up. Also, feel free to "ham it up." Act frantic like you're looking for something really important. Even the most tenacious small-talker wouldn't interrupt you...you've obviously got a lot on your mind.

In restaurants or bars: pick seats facing away from these mindless small-talkers.