Comments on: The fear of talking to strangers http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/ Sharing the world with you Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:44:23 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jim http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/#comment-69172 Jim Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:45:43 +0000 http://www.501places.com/?p=7766#comment-69172 Heartily agree. As a solo traveller, some of my best travel experiences have been when I have taken the time to speak to complete strangers. Last year in New York City I attended a concert at B.B. Kings Bar and Grill and shared a table with a couple of locals who invited me to their apartment later the following week for drinks, and then took me out for dinner. Neil and Pat shared a fascinating history together and I was delighted to make their acquaintance. Other examples: sharing a nine hour cruise up the Hudson River with a young woman from Queens; and another cruise on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia with a German who could not speak a word of English. Somehow we managed to communicate for several hours despite his non-English and my *very* limited German. Heartily agree. As a solo traveller, some of my best travel experiences have been when I have taken the time to speak to complete strangers. Last year in New York City I attended a concert at B.B. Kings Bar and Grill and shared a table with a couple of locals who invited me to their apartment later the following week for drinks, and then took me out for dinner. Neil and Pat shared a fascinating history together and I was delighted to make their acquaintance.

Other examples: sharing a nine hour cruise up the Hudson River with a young woman from Queens; and another cruise on Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia with a German who could not speak a word of English. Somehow we managed to communicate for several hours despite his non-English and my *very* limited German.

]]> By: Kerwin http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/#comment-69170 Kerwin Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:45:10 +0000 http://www.501places.com/?p=7766#comment-69170 Andy, I'm a talker and love to talk to people I don't know. Just start by saying hello, how are you doing? Oftentimes, the person is just as scared to say hello. What's even more powerful, is to do a random act of kindness for them :-). I've spoken to people on the Underground, but you are right, people don't talk much on public transportation, but I've done it :-). I recall one morning I was on my way to Heathrow and this drunk girl was on the train and she got us all to converse; it was brilliant! I'm always curious as to where people are going and what brought them to out meeting point. So I'm eager to say hello, without being creepy. Sitting in a park waiting for a stranger to talk to is kind of creepy :-). Andy,

I’m a talker and love to talk to people I don’t know. Just start by saying hello, how are you doing? Oftentimes, the person is just as scared to say hello. What’s even more powerful, is to do a random act of kindness for them :-) .

I’ve spoken to people on the Underground, but you are right, people don’t talk much on public transportation, but I’ve done it :-) .

I recall one morning I was on my way to Heathrow and this drunk girl was on the train and she got us all to converse; it was brilliant!

I’m always curious as to where people are going and what brought them to out meeting point. So I’m eager to say hello, without being creepy. Sitting in a park waiting for a stranger to talk to is kind of creepy :-) .

]]> By: Roy | The Riding Dutchman http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/#comment-69161 Roy | The Riding Dutchman Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:06:10 +0000 http://www.501places.com/?p=7766#comment-69161 I think it's hard to speak to strangers in most public transport modes around the world. I really like the park idea! I remember sitting by the waterside once, writing, and some teenagers wanted to find out what I was doing. Great way to start a conversation as well! Ask someone for writing input or something lol. Anyway, thanks for this article! I think it’s hard to speak to strangers in most public transport modes around the world.

I really like the park idea! I remember sitting by the waterside once, writing, and some teenagers wanted to find out what I was doing. Great way to start a conversation as well! Ask someone for writing input or something lol.

Anyway, thanks for this article!

]]> By: Alaster http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/#comment-69159 Alaster Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:35:35 +0000 http://www.501places.com/?p=7766#comment-69159 I was in souther Spain last winter, and had an amazing conversation with a homeless guy. I was sitting on a bench in a square in Cadiz when this giant of a Dutchman strolled over and in several languages asked for some change. He was extremely articulate and intelligent and I had an absolutely fascinating conversation with one of the most charming people I've ever met. Appearances can be very deceiving. I was in souther Spain last winter, and had an amazing conversation with a homeless guy.
I was sitting on a bench in a square in Cadiz when this giant of a Dutchman strolled over and in several languages asked for some change.
He was extremely articulate and intelligent and I had an absolutely fascinating conversation with one of the most charming people I’ve ever met.
Appearances can be very deceiving.

]]> By: Stuart http://www.501places.com/2011/11/the-fear-of-talking-to-strangers/#comment-69157 Stuart Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:07:52 +0000 http://www.501places.com/?p=7766#comment-69157 My issue is knowing what to chat about. My top tip is to talk about travel. Amazing how many people start to feel more at ease when you start chatting about where they've been or where they're going. Of course you have to be arsed talking to them in the first place. Listening helps with chats too.... My issue is knowing what to chat about. My top tip is to talk about travel. Amazing how many people start to feel more at ease when you start chatting about where they’ve been or where they’re going. Of course you have to be arsed talking to them in the first place. Listening helps with chats too….

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