Yeah, it's possible to be too "robotic" with that strategy. I think one of the main themes of the book is sincerity, though, like finding something truly interesting about the other person that you can relate with, respect, or like. From there it opens up avenues for sharing about yourself too, and hopefully the reciprocity breeds more openness and closeness?

Also, some people are just talkers who will go on and on about their lives and never ask or care about yours, lol. They're best in small doses :)