So what is happening if I don’t see an image?

Something is wrong. You should be using a comically smaller amount compared to smoking.

I’m not neurodivergent, but I loathe small talk just the same. Giving an “eh” type answer is indeed best as it tends to end the conversation. Concocting a lie or even giving a more involved honest answer only encourages the conversation to continue. For me the goal is to make it stop.

Those of us in our late 40’s are horrified to learn this! You turn 40 and you’re “middle aged”. Ten short years later and you’re just plain old.