Want Some Fiction with that Realism?

When people compliment my stories, one thing often mentioned is the realism. I have a main character with a life-threatening allergy. It's consistent, not just a plot-point. Falling in love doesn't mean everything will be perfect forever. Minor characters have lives and goals; they don't just exist to help or thwart the main characters.

Realism, though, has only limited use in fiction. Try using "realistic" dialogue and you'll see what I mean.

"Hi."

"Hi! How's it going?"

"Oh, okay. You?"

"Doing...