Hi Sue – occupational hazard in NZ! I agree with you on the common purpose though – a basic foundation for any meaningful connection. Better than small talk any day!

I started my blog because I wanted to see if I had enough stamina and material to write a food column. At first my only reader was my sister. Gradually it’s turned from a personal test into a piece of work with a handful of regular readers, and it’s a big part of my life. I was pretty shocked though when I was introduced to a colleague’s spouse at a party, and the first thing she said was “I read your blog all the time!” I felt oddly exposed for a moment. And then relieved that we’d immediately identified a mutual interest, and the evil trap of small talk was averted.