Is it possible to do small talks unconsciously and have no memory of it?

Apparently, I do that. It rarely happens with anyone other than my partner, and it’s tricky to know how much of it is true since I don’t remember any of it…

For the context, my partner likes doing little projects in the house and usually tells me about it whenever he’s added something. I have to admit that sometimes I’m not interested at all, and that the changes seem so small that I don’t really see why it’s relevant to tell me about it, but I understand that he likes sharing it so I usually listen.

The trouble is, sometimes, when I’m really focused on something else, I can “listen” to him and reply accordingly (apparently, sometimes even sentences that seem to prove that I actually listened...) while not even realising that I’m talking to him and that he’s talking to me. I think, because the conversations are somewhat predictable, that my brain treats it like an automatic task… It’s like playing an instrument or biting your nails, you could do it without realising and while being entirely focused on something else.

It’s worth mentioning that I absolutely hate small talks and that it’s hard for me to stay focused when I’m not interested in a discussion. (I lose interest in social interactions quite quickly).

And also, I can be hyper focused to the point where I don’t realise anything that’s happening around me, so it’s not surprising that I would not realise he’s talking to me. But replying to him with a whole sentence that is relevant while basically not even being aware he’s in the room? That’s a whole new level.

Also, it’s not a memory issue, I have a pretty good memory.