I'm the one who looks at the infant, smiles nervously, and as my contribution to small talk, robotically announces to the parent, Your child looks healthy and well cared for.
In her book "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?", Mindy Kaling humorously shares her experiences and insights on social interactions. She describes herself as the type of person who feels a bit awkward in social situations, particularly when it comes to engaging with infants and their parents. Rather than diving into a genuine conversation, she resorts to a standard line about the child's health, highlighting her nervousness and the social pressure to make small talk.
Kaling's self-deprecating humor emphasizes the struggle many people face in casual social settings. Her reliance on a formulaic compliment reflects a common experience of feeling out of place or unsure about how to connect with others. Through these anecdotes, she offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges of navigating social expectations in a lighthearted manner.