Having a little chat is probably not a waste of time and might even be socially useful. It is a way to create a relationship with someone you don’t know. At this stage little does it matter what is actually said, what counts is that from that moment onwards it will be a lot less likely that the parties to idle talk will be uncivil to one another. After a few minutes chatting it will be harder for one to pass in front of the other in a queue, it will be easier for one to say: “you first” when entering the elevator or “may I help you carry your bags?”. The conditions develop to then do things together. The acts of kindness become reciprocal and involve all those present and a chain reaction starts. It is a tacit agreement to reduce aggressiveness (of the sort we see in traffic where one does not form future relationships). A ‘social capital ‘is created where you cannot ignore people and where it is difficult to act selfishly. Starting with a few words of idle talk when you do not know anybody is an art that can be developed. It forms a basis that may later lead to a future relationship. Those who in an unfamiliar context have nothing to say are often hypercritical of others and mainly concerned about themselves. To exchange a few words at a party you need to have some basic knowledge of everyday events, you should not arrive at the end of the party when everybody is leaving or groups have formed, you must be able to end the chat without seeming rude and start a chat with someone else. You should not drink too much and ask questions and not just speak about yourself. This is an art kids master effortlessly and it often leads to lasting friendship.