Word for small chat about the speakers well being

Question

Is there a word or expression for a small chat that is about how people are? For having a bit of context, two characters, who meet up almost on a daily basis, ask each other how they are, before talking about more important subjects. I tried to search for a definite answer, but I haven't found anything suitable. As far as I know, small talk might be used, but that includes more subjects, like weather, work and what not. The other one could be stating that they simply had a chat, but that could be again about almost any subject. Catching up would be the most appropriate one I could think of, but that for me seems as if there should me way more time between the two talking to each other than just a few days. For me catching up has always been associated with long time no see type of conversations. The sentence I want the word to use in is:

• After a small chat about their well-being and James’s shopping list they made their way to the supermarket.

Answer 1

I think the word you're looking for is pleasantries:

[Merriam-Webster]
3 : a polite social remark
// exchanged pleasantries

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There is also gossip, but it's something more intentional and focused than just chatting about the weather or traffic.

So:

After exchanging pleasantries about their well-being and James’s shopping list they made their way to the supermarket.

Answer 2

For me, you have almost said it yourself: "small talk".

This is conversation between people which is will never offend; "How are you?", "Did you find us OK?", "How was the traffic?".

It often precedes a meeting or even something like a Doctor's appointment, or can be the entire conversation between people who are forced together, maybe in the Doctor's waiting room.