Don’t knock small talk. It has the power to mend a world ripped apart by rage | Bidisha

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:00:37 +0200

All good? Busy day? Small talk is a social good with a bad reputation. We dread it, but it’s vital for human connection Hi there, how’re you? How’s it going? You alright? All good? As any Briton knows, none of these questions is an inquiry into your emotional state, the material conditions of your life or your opinion on anything. Respond positively – “all good so far, touch wood” is nice – then move on to the purpose of the interaction: “I’m returning an Amazon package?” Bidisha is a broadcaster, critic and journalist for BBC, Channel 4 and Sky News Continue reading...