Do people lie about their weekend plans just to keep small talk going?
Posted by DealProper8414@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 27 comments
Usually when people ask me about my weekend plans or what I did over the weekend, it takes me a while to remember, and sometimes I don’t really have any plans. But most people seem to have an answer ready right away. Is everyone really that busy, or are people exaggerating or lying about their weekends?
jesuseatsbees@reddit
I was expecting other people to say this too but I plan a little script for small talk conversations. Usually while driving to work, falling asleep, getting a shower or whatever, I’ll have a mini conversation going in my head so I have answers for people when they ask, and also questions to ask back. Thought everyone did this.
BeeZee2727@reddit
Same. I know the question will come, so I prepare a quick answer, that mentions like one single uncompromising thing I did, but not everything. Like “I went for a walk, the weather was lovely! What about you?”
Real-Apricot-7889@reddit
It’s not hard for me to remember what I’ve just done a few days before... I wouldn’t lie and make something up but I also wouldn’t give a blow by blow if everything I did. Sometimes if I cba to chat for some reason then I just say ‘not much’ but even on a weekend where I haven’t had any social plans then I will have gone somewhere or done something that I can mention even if it was just watching a specific film or cooking something new for dinner.
Lienidus1@reddit
Recently returned to the UK and it's something I noticed. Those conversations are so banal but also a little competitive oh I was in Barcelona, Wales, centre parks blah blah blah.
audigex@reddit
If someone asks about my weekend it's usually on Monday or Tuesday... I can remember what I did a couple of days ago
Low-Captain1721@reddit
We all have a 'small talk' mode & in my case it certainly doesn't tally with reality. The crap I've caught myself saying..
An emotionally detached socially acceptable & slightly more exciting slant on things basically 😅
icklemiss_@reddit
Oops, thought I was in the asd or adhd sub until I saw this and realised it wasn’t sarcasm.
Not all people have this fyi.
Unfortunately I have either far too much, or far too little depending on whether I’m socially starved, or have done too much peopling for one day.
Conscious-Fee8590@reddit
I like people like you. You make life easier (and more interesting ) for us horrible introverts!!
Low-Captain1721@reddit
Basically I'm an introvert too, completely happy with my own company much of the time but feel the need to paint a more socially acceptable image occasionally 😅
icklemiss_@reddit
Not me. I tell the truth so that the conversation comes to an uncomfortable end earlier.
workedmisty@reddit
Do people not have weekend plans? Like not every not but at some point?
Adzx93@reddit
Personally I cannot stand small talk, I will not engage with it as I find it absolutely pointless. If you have nothing to say, don't start a conversation with me.
Might be a bit harsh, but so is me pretending to care about your life🤷🏻
bladefiddler@reddit
My team has a Monday morning catchup with an obligatory round of 'what did you do over the weekend and what is planned for the week'.
I don't lie or fabricate anything ever, but another week of "Did chores, got pissed, shagged the missus a few times and sat in front of the telly, be ause my shit salary doesn't afford much besides - and this week I'll yet again be dealing with whatever assortment of shit the inbox presents to me" takes a bit of polishing into a professional and socially acceptable statement.
Macrihanishautomatic@reddit
I learned very early on in life to tell people what they want to hear. And that is rarely the truth.
cloudmountainio@reddit
If someone asks me this question I always assume it’s because they want to talk about their own plans / what they did. So I just say “not much, you?” and then let them talk. If they had no plans / did nothing they probably wouldn’t ask you in the first place.
OurSeepyD@reddit
I often have no plans and do almost nothing but will still ask others because I'm interested, and it is also decent small talk on a Monday morning.
badgerandcheese@reddit
"No plans, really, prob just hop on my bike..." is my usual response.
When really it's create/schedule content for my side hustle socials, do some writing, housework, squeeze in a bit of gaming if I can. But don't want to get into all of that.
Correct_Elk2320@reddit
Yep lying for it not to be used against me later on. Always go for something generic, a walk, a swim, visit to local prk, dinner with friends. That’s it, nobody needs to know more. Most people also think I am married. Peace and predictability no questions asked.
LycheeAlert9758@reddit
Why do most people think you’re married?
Correct_Elk2320@reddit
Because men (including married/ engaged) would comment on my single status uninvited, asking when I get a bf, do I have a bf, was I on a date during the weekend, it was exhausting open season to comment on my life choices. Two jobs now I am married and it all stopped. I say WE moved, we bought a house, we went to so and so and it is bliss, no obnoxious salacious curiosity. My partner died 12 ys ago and I just am not interested in living with a man anymore. Easy peaceful predictable life.
RedRamblerUK@reddit
The ring on the 4th finger...
LycheeAlert9758@reddit
Clever
OurSeepyD@reddit
Some people are very organised and do a lot, other people are not. All that matters is that you're happy with your setup.
Top_Bodybuilder4729@reddit
This. From speaking with friends, some folk (like me) are out doing stuff pretty much every weekend, others barely go out at all, and then there’s a few so after in between.
Different stores for different folks I suppose
Low-Cauliflower-5686@reddit
Sometimes say I'll see what the weather is like, when I've booked to go somewhere.
GeggingIn@reddit
Don’t think so. Guessing they probably just remember something exciting straight away.
They are sometimes asking you about yours in order to you tell you their weekend plans too.
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.