It's impossible for us to make connections unless we share our hearts and minds with others. Not just the small talk stuff like what you had for dinner or where you last vacation was - those are interesting but a deeper conversation might be what you learned on your vacation and so on.
I like how you gave Jared time to speak. Many people don't get the opportunity to be heard. You were the ear for him that day - part of the body of Christ.
What do you do isn't as bad as what church do you attend. That one freezes my lips ;)
And that is sad. It is incredibly hard to live unless we know our voice belongs.