You ever sit there wanting to strike up a conversation with a random stranger, and have no idea where to begin?
I think that has more to do with the observed self-imposed isolation than is given credit in the article.
I think that has more to do with the observed self-imposed isolation than is given credit in the article.
People often look slightly uncomfortable at first, but they seem to quickly get over it and start to chatter away enthusiastically. I find it fascinating because I'm totally incapable of doing the same thing: usually I'll be standing next to him squirming with embarrassment at the potential for an awkward moment.
Not that any of this is wrong. I'm just explaining my fear in these situations. Awkwardness I can fight through, but fear of awkwardness combined with fear of actually bothering someone.. it just combines to make me think it's not worth doing.
YMMV though, the people I know who can do this were able to do this from very young in age and I liken it to having a skill, except that it's hard to teach and not many people explicitly value it as something to "learn" - people would rather assume it's something innate
>do you have any fun plans tonight/weekend?
>So where do you work?
It basically doesn't matter. I sometimes do the awkward, "hello I'm Michael, what are you doing this weekend?"
If they can't handle basic conversation, it's them.
Most of mine I am trying to find similarities or learn new things.
After the conversation is over, it won't matter how you opened, it won't matter if the person felt suspicious. I can't control your upbringing or your day.
You either are friends, or you likely won't see them again.
No one died.