What you need to know is that most people like the sound of their own voice. All you need to do is ask them something about themself and leave the talking to them. Occasionally, repeat a phrase or keyword to keep them talking. This is also a good way to steal intel from rival companies.

This isn’t an autism thing; this is a social anxiety/asocial thing.

I’m panicking about what emotion I should present in response

looks at wrist without watch
Oh, would you look at the time! I need to, uhh, water my dog!

I fucking hate it when co-workers drag me into conversations. Just leave me alone, I don’t wanna hear about your garden or how you almost failed college 💀

Uh huh.

No way!

Get out of here!

See I told you that removed was crazy!