This was a good reminder. My neighbor that I walk taught me to always thank people wherever we go. We always thank and compliment lawn care people, grocery stockers, municipal maintenance staff, etc. It is amazing to see how that can really make people smile and feel good about themselves and can start a great conversation.
I have a love/hate with small talk. If I meet, chat, and get to know you it's totally worthwhile to me. What I avoid like the plague are the people who want to talk about their kids or grandkids that I either don't know or know (and even then my mind wanders.) I love figuring out what makes people tick, and those who live their lives, not merely spectate (this does not include elderly people who are locked up or home alone) are who fascinate me.
At the moment socializing can be sometimes awkward. Once this election is over maybe things will be more interesting. Great article!!! Nice work.
Socializing certainly takes work and effort and yes, it can be awkward, but I’ve usually ended up talking with interesting folks and that’s always good.
I used to not enjoy small talk and felt awkward talking to strangers. However, as I've got older I find it easier to chat on a bus or train or in a queue. An interesting post. Thank you for the insights
My mother always talked to strangers: while walking on the street or in a park, while viewing art in a museum, while riding in a taxi. She would people to have a conversation about the beautiful vistas in the park, or share their thoughts about a work of art, or ask the taxi driver a question that would begin a conversation. I was shy as a child, but as an adult, I began to emulate my mother’s ease in starting up a conversation, and it has made my life richer and more connected. People enjoy talking if you ask them engaging questions with a non-threatening twinkle in your eye and a comfortable amount of eye contact.
I occasionally take a friend’s dog for a walk. Everyone talks to me. I don’t even like dogs but my cat won’t come, she’s very lazy. I get the impression that people with dogs will always have someone to talk to.
Your mother was a great role model. Any connection, however small, can delight and enrich.
I remember an old boyfriend asking, “Do you have to talk to everyone?” It came in handy during all of my years as a flight attendant
Absolutely. Talking to strangers humanizes "other people."
Absolutely. Dogs are conduits for social interaction, while also being gifts from God!
Exactly. I always say that everyone has a story and engaging with people you don’t know makes them - and you - happy.
Impressive research!
Thanks!
It's true and if you don't continue to know people you don't know, you'll forget how to do it and be lost in your own small world.
Absolutely!
This was a good reminder. My neighbor that I walk taught me to always thank people wherever we go. We always thank and compliment lawn care people, grocery stockers, municipal maintenance staff, etc. It is amazing to see how that can really make people smile and feel good about themselves and can start a great conversation.
I have a love/hate with small talk. If I meet, chat, and get to know you it's totally worthwhile to me. What I avoid like the plague are the people who want to talk about their kids or grandkids that I either don't know or know (and even then my mind wanders.) I love figuring out what makes people tick, and those who live their lives, not merely spectate (this does not include elderly people who are locked up or home alone) are who fascinate me.
At the moment socializing can be sometimes awkward. Once this election is over maybe things will be more interesting. Great article!!! Nice work.
Socializing certainly takes work and effort and yes, it can be awkward, but I’ve usually ended up talking with interesting folks and that’s always good.
I used to not enjoy small talk and felt awkward talking to strangers. However, as I've got older I find it easier to chat on a bus or train or in a queue. An interesting post. Thank you for the insights
Thanks. I truly believe that the more connections we can make, the happier we will be.
My mother always talked to strangers: while walking on the street or in a park, while viewing art in a museum, while riding in a taxi. She would people to have a conversation about the beautiful vistas in the park, or share their thoughts about a work of art, or ask the taxi driver a question that would begin a conversation. I was shy as a child, but as an adult, I began to emulate my mother’s ease in starting up a conversation, and it has made my life richer and more connected. People enjoy talking if you ask them engaging questions with a non-threatening twinkle in your eye and a comfortable amount of eye contact.
(I left out a word in the second sentence: She would invite people…)
I occasionally take a friend’s dog for a walk. Everyone talks to me. I don’t even like dogs but my cat won’t come, she’s very lazy. I get the impression that people with dogs will always have someone to talk to.
Yes, dogs are conduits for all kinds of interaction while also being gifts from God!
Very interesting Mandy!
Thank you!
Such a well-written piece. I very much enjoy and appreciate your insights.
And I enjoy your comments! Thank you!
Very interesting!!!
Thank you!