I've also availed myself of the Haz Conversation Circle phenomenon. I find I am more comfortable when the other person chooses the topic, for reasons yet unknown to me. It makes me bad at small talk, as I have to constantly remind myself that the best way to get a juicy topic is to ask questions about the other person. However, my tendency does leave me stuck if the other person goes on past my interest on a topic. I'm getting better about segues. But please don't keep that info filed with two high a priority flag. It's my own job.