It can feel daunting at the best of times to strike up a conversation with a stranger at a bus stop, or a colleague you don't know particularly well in a lift, but it is even more difficult when the majority of your face is covered with a mask.

You might also find it increasingly challenging to find new things to say after nearly two years of everything being cancelled, but does it really matter if you miss out on these minor interactions?

The Quicky speaks to a psychologist to find out why small talk is important for our mental health and wellbeing, and what you can do to get back into the chat with people you've known for years, or even random passers by on the street.

CREDITS 

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to: 

Elisabeth Shaw - CEO of Relationships Australia NSW who has worked for over 25 years as a clinical and counselling psychologist 

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

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