"For me, there are few things more torturous in life than small talk. I don't care about your sports team. I have nothing interesting to say about the weather, and for the love of all that's holy, don't make me talk about the comparative merits of various afternoon activities at one more kid birthday party," writes Jessica Stillman (photo, left).

"So what can I — and all my fellow small talk haters — do to escape vapid chitchat? . . ."