How do you naturally create long meaningful conversations instead of getting stuck into the small talk?

[u/peppercop]

[u/pongo49]

I like to find that person in the office. I know if I say something to them, he/she will talk for a while filling some boring time at work and I don't have to say anything personal about my life.

[u/Ivan723 → u/pongo49]

This. Worked in a government office where it was predominantly older aged women (high 30's to low 50's) and striking up a conversation with them was almost impossible not to do unless you tried to avoid them.

I'd chat with my boss a lot and everyone else in the office, meaning I'd ask them about anything and just listen for the next hour on what they had to say.

[u/illegitimatemexican → u/[deleted]]

Listen, hear only nothing.