Do you talk to strangers?

Bretrick

Bretrick

Well-known Member
Location
Perth Western Australia
I was in the garden yesterday and this elderly lady - over 80?, stopped and said hello and we talked for a while, then she asked me what my flat number was. I told her and she said she will call in one day and have a chat.
Okay said I, she was repeating herself and seemed a little forgetful.
If she does turn up, I will invite her in for a chat.
Best get some tea.
 

PeppermintPatty said:
Yes but just random chit chat. We certainly wouldnā€™t give our address to complete strangers.
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Nor would I. Yet I did something that I usually avoid, back on New Year's Eve. We had not long entered The Pavilion where the Gala that we were going to was being held, my wife had forgotten her support cushion, it's a small squab shape thing that gives her comfort on dining chairs. Going back to the car to retrieve it, a young, dishevelled looking man, asked if I had any spare change.

Standing there in my finery with a bow tie and all, did I look like a soft touch? There was definitely something about this fellow, his eyes had the brightness of someone intelligent. As for loose change, the parking meter had devoured all that. The fellow got a five pound note and I got the warmest, most wonderful smile along with a thank you, said in gratitude rather than, over the top sentimentality. Happy New Year, and to you.
 

Yes, often. Typically we're engaged in some form of activity we have in common so there's most always a conversation starter readily available. Riding a chair lift for 6-8mins w strangers pretty much forces one to acknowledge each other, and in fact I met some folks that live in the neighborhood the other day.
 
againstthegrain said:
Yes, often. Typically we're engaged in some form of activity we have in common so there's most always a conversation starter readily available. Riding a chair lift for 6-8mins w strangers pretty much forces one to acknowledge each other, and in fact I met some folks that live in the neighborhood the other day.
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Not in London... believe me. I've ridden the Cable cars above London a few times... altho' tourists use them, they're most often used by commuters... no-one talks. people will wait for the next car rather than get in with strangers...

Photos I took myself..

DSCF7753.jpg
 
I am happy to initiate brief conversations with strangers I meet when I am out and about - in lifts (elevators), on public transport, or sitting next to me on a park bench. Hubby used to be more reticent and would comment, "You'll talk to anyone, won't you?" To which my reply was always, "Yep".
 
hollydolly said:
Not in London... believe me. I've ridden the Cable cars above London a few times... altho' tourists use them, they're most often used by commuters... no-one talks. people will wait for the next car rather than get in with strangers...

Photos I took myself..

DSCF7753.jpg
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Wow, I don't remember these things when I visited London 3 times back in the 1980's. I do recall those double decker buses though.
 
hollydolly said:
Not in London... believe me. I've ridden the Cable cars above London a few times... altho' tourists use them, they're most often used by commuters... no-one talks. people will wait for the next car rather than get in with strangers...

Photos I took myself..
Click to expand...
In Sun Valley, ID most people are genuinely happy to be here, and appreciate the extraordinary surroundings and recreational opportunities so for the most part people are friendly and helpful. The tourists are all giddy w excitement for the skiing so they can be a bit much at times so if I don't feel like talking on my first chair ride, which I sometimes don't feel like talking, I wait for another chair that's empty. There are some locals I avoid like the plague, too. Back in the day I used to pick up women all the time riding the lifts, it was great sport.
 
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I doā€¦all the time! Iā€™ve met some lovely people and have become friends with many people Iā€™ve met in the park where I walk.
The people who frequent the park are mostly elderly and are very friendly to each other. We watch out for each other.
If I am absent from the park for awhile due to illness, I am always surprised at the people who have taken notice and ask me if Iā€™m OK and tell me theyā€™ve noticed that I havenā€™t been around. Itā€™s nice!
 
Oh yes, I talk to strangers. I have to tell myself to stop it sometimes. It's funny because when I was younger I was way more reserved. When I went camping by myself I had several really interesting conversations with people I met including a woman who plays the dulcimer and a developer who lives in an area where no landscaping is allowed and the houses are set in a natural environment.
 
Seldom. If they ask me directions or other information about the area, I will gladly reply. Other than that, I pretty much keep to myself. Itā€™s not out of fear or caution, just am not a talker.

If someone begins a conversation regarding a subject that I am well informed about, I may indulge the other person, but I very seldom initiate a conversation with someone I donā€™t know.
 

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