I've been practicing my small talk lately and I seem to be getting better. I'm usually so shy and feel like I never have anything to talk about with new people so it's quite exciting and fun when I can see someone I don't even know and just start talking to them. ^^
I've also been observing people that became my friends or customers that really seem to like me at work. I've noticed a trend that pops up. In almost all the cases, especially with customers, the people that really like me and always come in to say hi are the people that I took the time to notice something about. For instance, this really super cute nerdy girl was in the store today ^///^ and it had been awhile since I saw her. She seemed really happy to see me (!) and I spoke with her for a few minutes. She also introduced me to her mom, who happened to be shopping with her. How did I get to know her? Well, I had seen her in the store a few times and one time I saw her she was wearing a Gryffindor jacket. So I thought, "okay, cute girl, she's wearing something nerdy.. just say something about it to her."
People like it when you notice things about them, even if it it's not a big deal. I'm sure we've all had an experience where someone noticed something unique about us and it brightened our day. Yet, many of us (myself included) often feel too shy and timid to give other people that same joy. To which I say, no more shall this be the case! ^^
(On a sort of embarrassing note .. as the girl was leaving, she says, "Bye, Derek!" -- and I realized .. I don't know her name. *dun dun dunnnn*)