How to cope with small talk and making plans after a year of isolation

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Georgie Nightingall, a “conversation trainer” who is running a new course on small talk at BPP University, tells The Independent it’s best to be open about it. Don’t be afraid to “break the script” Rather than sticking to a regimented list of questions, Nightingall recommends recognising what “scripts” you usually follow and “finding ways to break these scripts”. Nightingall says one way of doing this is to check in with your “true desires” when you’re invited to something, to check that you’re not saying yes to plans out of feeling guilty. If you’re nervous about lockdown easing, that’s okay “It’s common to experience some discomfort or unease when coping with stressful events or changes,” says Rosie Weatherley, information content manager at Mind.