Random run-ins with campus friends (people you would never hang out with on the weekend), awkward South Campus bus rides that will never end and a line at the dining hall’s stir fry station are all prime times for small talk. The riveting form of filler communication is perfect for breaking the silence, but these worn-out topics should be avoided at all costs because, frankly, they’re annoying.

1. ‘It’s so cold outside!’

Oh, really? You mean just like it was the day before and the day before that? Face it people, we live in a cold climate. Even better is when this complaint is followed up with comments about the overbearing heat inside the building. Wear a jacket, then take off the jacket. Simple stuff.

2. ‘I’m so tired.’

Easily the most overused phrase on campus. Talk about a cry for attention. Users of this standard complaint often expect the other person to be genuinely concerned. Fatigue is relative, so suck it up.

3. ‘I have so much work this week!’

We’re all guilty of this one. Work comes in many shapes and sizes, so the statement cannot be generalized. This is the perfect opportunity to be a one-upper. That four-page WRT 105: ‘Practices of Academic Writing’ paper doesn’t seem so bad when your architecture friend is slaving overnight to build 15 models for his architecture class.

4. ‘What’d you do this weekend?’

This is only acceptable on Monday, and Tuesday is really pushing it. Do you really want to hear every fraternity, pre-game and house party I attended? Doubt it. Chances are you did something you think is cool and want everyone else to know about it.

5. ‘Catch the game yesterday?’

Wait, there was a game? Oh, you mean the main focal point of SyracuseUniversityfor the week prior and likely the week after. Everyone knows who the victor was, everyone is surprised that football won again, and thus no one is surprised you can’t think of anything better to say.

— Compiled by Aaron Gould, asst. feature editor, akgould@syr.edu

Published on November 2, 2010 at 12:00 pm