Talking about it.

People in the UK invariably start a conversation upon first meeting, with a comment about the weather. It is a trial, to test the ground as to whether further conversation will be permitted.

This habit is deeply ingrained. This week I have been testing myself to see if I could open by talking about something else.

I tried the Chinese opening - " Have you eaten yet?" The recipient of this greeting looked frankly perplexed, (even though I said it in English).

For the rest of the week, I found myself talking about the weather, even though I didn't intend to.

Have a nice dinner!