Some people love small talk. And some people hate it so much that they’ll happily spend money to avoid it. They’ll use their cash on things that handle everyday interactions for them without the need for conversation. We spoke to some readers about this, and here are twelve purchases they make to avoid small talk. Do you buy any of these for the same reason?
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Doorbell cameras
One tap & the doorbell automatically tells the driver to leave the package at the front. The homeowner doesn’t even need to open the door. Yes, a doorbell camera isn’t pricey for what it does, but many people pay extra for cloud recording. Visitors hear a voice & think you’re home. This way, all those superficial questions never happen.
Noise-cancelling earbuds
Simply pop in your noise-cancelling earbuds, and you’ll get crystal-clear music. But it’s also so much more than that. These headphones are a clear signal not to talk to you. Some people will even play a podcast they’re not actually listening to. Why? It’s just so they can point to their ears whenever someone tries to start a conversation. How nice.
Private gym memberships
A higher monthly gym fee buys a lot more than cleaner equipment. Usually, it also gets you a quieter space with fewer people to run into. You swipe in & do your workout. Then, you leave without waiting for machines or hearing about someone’s weekend. It’s as simple as that.
Reserved train seats
Paying a little extra on the train gets you a reserved seat. And that means you can avoid the awkwardness of finding a spot & talking to others. No asking strangers if a seat’s free. No squeezing past people. You just walk to your spot & sit. Once you’re settled, there’s no reason for anyone to bother you.
Quiet rooms on trains
But that’s not all for trains. It’s annoying being stuck next to someone who wants to talk for the whole ride. As such, paying to sit in a quiet room is worth the extra money. These rooms have strict no-talking rules & nobody can ask you where you’re headed. No interruptions whatsoever. How great is that?
VIP airport security passes
There’s nothing glamorous about waiting in a long security line. That’s why some people pay for the fast-track lane, as they’re through in minutes. They can avoid the awkward small talk about where they’re flying & questions of whether it’s their first time here. Yuck. Most of the time, they’re gone before everyone else is even halfway through the regular line.
Premium movie theater memberships
Premium movie theater passes often come with seat selection & online tickets. Some may even get you separate entrances. With these, you get to skip the main line and head straight into the theater. There’s no need to tell someone what movie you’re watching. Conversations at the counter about snack combos? They never happen.
Automatic toll subscription for bridges & tunnels
Toll booths are still staffed in some American cities. And they’re slow. But with a prepaid pass, the scanner picks you up as you drive through. You don’t need to fumble for cash or speak to anyone. In fact, you’re already halfway down the road before the next driver even begins digging through their cup holder. It’s that fast. So why not do it?
Automated pharmacy lockers
Not everybody likes waiting in line to talk to the pharmacist. Some places now have secure lockers for pickup, where you punch in a code & grab the bag. And then you’re out. Of course, that does mean you can’t ask any questions, but you also don’t have to answer them. It’s as fast as it is private.
Museum timed-entry tickets
Buying at the museum counter sometimes feels like an interview. After all, you might have to answer questions about whether you’ve been there before or if you want to upgrade. Just pre-book a timed ticket online. This way, you skip all that & you simply walk in. The most conversation you’ll have is when they scan your phone. Even that’s limited.
Grocery delivery subscriptions
For some people, going to the store is a nightmare. They often run into everyone they know. A subscription-delivery service solves that, since you order online & schedule the drop-off. You can choose the “leave at door” option if you really want no interaction. The groceries appear & you bring them in. Save that social energy for… literally anything else.
Paid mailbox at a UPS or FedEx store
A rented mailbox stops you from dealing with post office lines or clerks. Instead, you unlock your box to grab your mail, and then you’re gone in seconds. No questions about how your day has been. No chatty neighbors picking up packages at the same time. Just in & out.
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