[alar44]

This is exactly one of the things I absolutely hate about the Midwest. I want to get my groceries, or beer, or gas, and get the fuck out. But everyone feels the need to have a goddamn conversation in the checkout line. Get your shit and move on.

[silisili]

As an ex midwesterner, it's something I kinda miss. People elsewhere come across as short or even rude by comparison. But you're right, things are definitely slower.

[spacemanmatt]

If you can't code-switch for the grocery store I honestly have to wonder how you get by at work.

[alar44]

Really? You think that talking to people I spend a third of my life with is the same as chit chatting with complete strangers at a grocery store? I feel sorry for your coworkers.

[replygirl]

for some people this is flipped, and for some people it's not a valuable distinction. people who shop at the same grocery store as me are part of my community--much closer to my coworkers than to commenters on hacker news, for example

[spacemanmatt]

If you are on a familial level with your coworkers I feel sorry for you.

[alar44]

No one said anything like that. I'm not sure what you're on about.

[bee_rider]

We've got a couple armchair psychologists in this thread. Like precise level of professional distance kept is a deep insight into our psyches. One iota more? Maybe you've replaced your family with your work family. One iota less? You are probably clinically depressed.

[blaser-waffle]

One of the kickers that my ex was clinically depressed was her inability to make small talk with strangers or summon the energy to interact with anyone outside of predefined activities / roles.

Small talk bullshit like that ain't hard. Toss out some one-word responses or thought terminated cliches.