it&#x27;s hard to quantify, but just my general attitude has made things smoother. Rather than rolling my eyes and trying to change the subject, i&#x27;ll try to listen attentively and engage if i have something to contribute.<p>I don&#x27;t have any interest in listening to someone rattle on for hours, but a minute or two listening to something they&#x27;re excited about, well, it goes a long way. A reply like &quot;I&#x27;m not much of a sports fan, but that sounds amazing&quot; is pretty effective. Just let people bask in the glory of whatever they love for a moment or two, sports, tv shows, how smart their kid is, vacation pictures, whatever.<p>I guess, i wouldn&#x27;t talk to people if they weren&#x27;t important or interesting in the moment in some way, taking an interest in what they find interesting makes me feel more connected somehow.