What kind of superficial talk can I do with my trainer during breaks?

I have social anxiety. I am not yet diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum, but my therapist has advised me to look into it, it's expensive so I'm avoiding it for now.

But I don't like the 5 minute silences when my trainer and I are on water breaks. I feel I'm rude and unsociable. I want to practice my social skills.

I spoke to him about his background in sports and appreciated his wins. But after that I had nothing to say or ask 😭 he tried asking me about my family's background but I honestly only had 1 line answers, and no replied to his replies.

How do you do it? Keeping the conversation going?

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AthrillatheHunt · 56-60, M

Ask them the last time they had fun. It will bring back that memory and they will associate that feeling w you.

Mamapolo2016 · F

1) Not all silences need to be broken. In the hustle and bustle of life today, some quietness is deeply appreciated.

2) Questions can put wheels on a conversation. Even what seem like silly questions. “Why do we need water, anyway?”

3) Why did you become a trainer? Do you like it? What can I do to make your job easier?

4) Prepare yourself to avoid things that make you feel awkward. Spend a few minutes reading/watching about topics that interest you, like little conversational bricks. “I was reading about India…or Brooklyn…or Mars…did you know that…”

5) Above all, breathe. Stretch. Concentrate on relaxing. There are no rules that say sentences have to be heel-to-toe. It’s not necessary for you to perform every waking moment.

SinlessOnslaught · M

Hahaha you sound like me.

Just think of it like "rewinding" details. If he talks about sports, ask him how he got into it. You are learning personal history.

Or you can "zoom in" on details, too. If he mentions a win, ask him how difficult it was or how he did it.

Both of these will naturally open up more topics to talk about.