start a conversation with a complete stranger for the hell of it

I remember one time in a bookstore where this old guy (apparently he was a grandfather, looking for a book for grandson, I would learn later) joined me in scanning some Harry Potter releases.
He asked me cheerfully about them. I said they’re excellent, and to his next question, I added that No, you dont really need to start (I clumsily used the term “familiar”) reading the previous installation to enjoy this latest one. He replied “Oh, since familiarity breeds contempt, eh?” (That time, i was my first time to hear that very deep expression.) I laughed and he turned to talk to a companion.
This conversation taught me to be careful how I spent my initial moments with a new friend. That man was really somebody worth knowing. His smartness really can be felt!

I love to do this. <3

I really am shy so gonna need alot of couragement to do it but it is probably the best way for me to come out of my shell!

I was at a Walgreens and talked to two strangers just because I wanted to know what they might know. I chatted with a senior citizen about Valentine’s Day cards while we were both looking through the aisle. The other person was wearing scrubs, and since I need to buy some for clinicals, I asked her where she bought them (and explained why I was asking).

It isn’t hard if you have a genuine question or comment. :)

A music festival will not leave you untouched at this point. I especially treasure the conversation with the British art student behind Cine and I in the queue for that movie. She called me Casette Girl and thought I was clever for knowing the word ‘aestaethic’.

I once had a very meaningful conversation with a lady in the bus about her grown son and his job.

And the time I was in the queue for the toilet at Café von Hatten when the four girls in front of me invited me to join them when it was their turn.. naturally, I accepted. Yesterday I found out that one of them has started attending my school this year – actually, she’s the one whose style I admire the most at the moment.

I worked at Waffle House this summer, a greasy spoon in the southern U.S. that attracts more than its share of lonely and eccentric souls. On multiple occaisions, I ended up having 2 or 3 hour-long conversations with customers who were eating alone. I learned a lot from them, had a lot of fun, and hopefully brightened up a lonely day.

...of course they didn’t understand, but it was fun ^^ We had an hilarious little expedition through town with them to find some loos (Wo sind die Toiletten bitte?????? mimes) and we also started a conversation with a charity man dressed as superman for the elderly about penny coins (in English not German).

Everyone who knew me in college(or earlier, actually) has joked that I am always talking to some stranger. Always, I engage the strange people around me and pick their brain. I find frequently that what most people percieve as a bum would actually be some philosophical genius exploring the world on foot. Dirty and stinking, with so much wisdom ready to share with anyone who forgoes judgement. Also, there are homeless alcoholics who only need someone to listen. I have made men twice my age cry with epiphany. Be wary, but talk to strangers… They may have more to say than you could know.

Every random conversation i’ve had with a complete stranger has occured in the rain… coincidence? I think not.. there’s something about being trapped in small shelter with someone while you’re freezing and wet that is a real conversation starter.

now he’s my hubby, and we’ve been married 7 years later…lol