Of course. Of course he stumbles over her childhood like a newborn colt, numb-footed and graceless. This is exactly why he doesn't do small talk. This right here! Because you ask the usual questions and then when the cookie-cutter life isn't an answer, it gets awkward.

"Yeah, I s'pose that's true." At least Shepard doesn't let the silence drag on at all. He thanks her silently for small favors. "Biotiball...? I'm assuming there's some kinda ball involved, then...?"