social lubricants
Easing awkward interactions
Social lubricants are things that ease interaction between people, reducing awkwardness and facilitating conversation.
Alcohol is the classic example—A few drinks served as social lubricant at the networking event.
The term extends to small talk, shared activities, or anything that smooths the friction of human contact.
- icebreakersSocial warm-up activities
- breaking the iceInitiating social contact
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- coffee breakShort work intermission
- drugsTherapeutic chemical compounds
conversation · music · networking · happy hour · small talk · nervous chatter · banter · common ground · drinking rituals · wine and cheese · comedy · compliments · camaraderie · alcohol · gift-giving · cocktails · greetings · empathy
social lubricantsice
Water's solid form
awkwardness · inhibitions · tension · stiffness · standoffishness
social lubricantsbuzzkills
Those who spoil enjoyment
wet blankets · party poopers · downers · discomfort · self-consciousness
social lubricantsisolation
Complete separation from others
social withdrawal · alienation · estrangement · disconnection · detachment
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