Do you talk to strangers?
 

Earlier this week my wife and I went to the store, and at one point I had to stand in a short line. One lady was placing her order, and a man I had never seen before was in front of me waiting. I noticed his t-shirt was about the hot rod club. So out of the blue, I asked him what type of hot rod he has. He smiled, and said he has several an listed some nice toys. I asked a few questions, and it was his turn to order. We said a few more words while he waited for his order. I could have stood there in silence. But instead I had time to talk to a nice guy about cars.

I placed my order, and walked towards the door with my order to go. He waved to me as I walked past. My wife immediately asked who he was. I said I had no idea, just a guy that loves cars. She shook her head in amazement that I can talk to anyone.

Last month was Porsche Parade. A couple thousands Porsche lovers all together. My wife did not attend, and instead I brought my brother. He is almost as shy as I am. He chatted to many total strangers, as I was the only person there that he knew. He had a great time. I guess we both learned that going to a new school every year.

Not too long ago I went with my wife to her high school reunion and I will not mention how many decades. I only knew one other person there besides my wife.

I talked to 100% total strangers all evening. I did not spend more than a few minutes alone. I had a fun evening.

How about you? Can you just strike up a conversation with a total stranger wherever you are in public.

Yes, often.

You guys are kind’a strange. ;)

I live in the midwest, it is what we do.

Last summer dad, the kids and I were at a motorcycle stunt show and shared a lunch table with a guy sitting by himself. Said he used to build planes when he was younger and me, being interested in aviation asked him what kind. He said it was one I had probably never heard of, some supersonic bomber in the 60s. I asked if it was the XB-70 Valkyrie and his eyes lit up. He thought us "young people" would have no clue but even the kids knew what it was. It was an interesting half hour conversation.

Yes

That's a great attitude, Glen. Thanks for the reminder.

Almost never.
I don't even talk to myself any more because of his attitude.

Prolly be different away from the big city.

I can, but it depends on the "vibe" for lack of a better term.

Oh yes...I've told more than one to leave me the hell alone ;)!

Rarely...but I can...and do...but don't....

Now if a few beers are involved....

LOL. sounds smrat. :D

Me, I talk at strangers.

It makes them go away faster.

Just kidding. I'm delightful. :D

That's a good point. Living in a big city, there are a lot of people with whom I am just not interested in striking up a conversation.

I can if I have to but I don't like to. Probably because I don't like being talked to in public so I don't do it to other people.

I try all the time and they tell me they have to wash their hair and walk away.

Yes, I think it was a smrat move too. ;)
One time I was talking to myself at the urinal ... awkward.

I do it all the time, especially overseas. People are generally happy to talk.

I'm not super outgoing. I don't often/always talk to strangers, but I can and have on a fairly regular basis. It depends upon the time and place and folks around me.

I think I probably miss out on a lot of interesting stuff that way, but I am even more sure that I'd have to wade through a ton of carp to get to the interesting stuff which helps with the regret. ;) :D

I talk to strangers ALL the time - LOL!

Strangers are friends you haven't met yet.

angela

I'm from a part of town called Newtown. We all talk to strangers as if we have known them all our lives. Also people I meet dog walking, we seem to chat as if we are carrying on the conversation from the day before although we have never met LOL

Back when we had our "Porsche Collection" I would usually not talk to the "wine crowd" but Turbo owners and 914 owners were usually easy to talk with. I even remember a guy or two that tried to TURBO his 914 and another young Japanese driver that didn't know his car had a clutch cable, which broke one afternoon during one of our very few San Diego rainy auto-x events at the "Q"! I had lots of spare parts since Julia drove her 914 and I gave him a clutch cable and tried to explain how to replace it as I was NOT laying under the car in the rain. A mechanic from Black Forest did the replacement for free as the young guy was laying under the car with him and stuffed under the dash with him......took 30 minutes total! Some people you can tell if you should even say hi just by looking at them to see how they look back.

Now that I have gotten old and have gray hair and beard and use a cane, everybody talks to me?

I talk to strangers and even take candy from pretty women.