Speak to strangers.

Have always spoken to strangers, all over the world- met some amazing, really interesting people this way. And actually made some true friends.

Would have never met my husband of 53 years (54 together) had I not- so well worth it.

I'm someone who instinctively talks to strangers too, but sadly it rarely leads to a proper conversation as I'm quite deaf & always surprised when I can't hear their replies & with a stranger you can't so easily ask them to speak up or repeat an answer. I'm sure they wonder why I've spoken to them when I can't hear the reply, but I suppose I'm just an optimist.I do smile at people, and children, in a slow queue or walking the dogs, & most people smile back or say hello.

I am an inveterate talker - to -strangers, to my children's dismay.
It does say, in The Good Book, that , because of this, some have " entertained angels unawares ".

MrA finds it hilarious that I chat to anyone and everyone, although I am a bit more reticent after seeing all the posts on GN about nosey people who ask questions, people who never stop talking and how rude it is to make personal comments like paying people compliments.

I once met a down-and-out 'deposed Nigerian prince' on a bus in Central London. He kept me so entertained that we both missed our stops and had to get the same bus back the way we had already come.

My DH and I both like striking up conversations with strangers, on a recent trip to Bath we met some really interesting people, from differing walks of life and differing ages. Is easy to tell if a person really doesn’t want any contact but in most cases people are happy to chat. Xx

i am another who talks to people. I see no virue in keeping yourself to yourself. You miss so much that is good and fascinating in humanity.

I have been a member of our U3A group for some time but I'm thinking of leaving. There is a very cliquey atmosphere in the group. People sit with those they know and don't seem interested in others. I have said hello and introduced myself several times but I would be very surprised if anybody knows who I am. Having said that I have friends who go to other U3As and feel very welcome there.

It seems important to note that many people are introverts.

I smile, nod, say a word. Allowing others to speak as they wish

Greta

I have been a member of our U3A group for some time but I'm thinking of leaving. There is a very cliquey atmosphere in the group. People sit with those they know and don't seem interested in others. I have said hello and introduced myself several times but I would be very surprised if anybody knows who I am. Having said that I have friends who go to other U3As and feel very welcome there.

I hate this. Once volunteered at a charity shop, tried hard to fit in but was a well established clique there who made it clear that newcomers were not welcome. So I left and volunteered elsewhere soon finding a bunch of people who were only too happy to include me.
Could you go to another U3A, or join a different club?

I too chat to strangers. Had a good chat to a couple in the Covid jab queue about their bungalow extension on Saturday, swapped contact numbers with a delightful lady in the dentists waiting room recently & a chat to the lady in the next seat at the cinema last night (‘Lee’ do go and see it!). The only folk with whom I haven’t engaged yet are my opposite neighbours - 4 in a row opposite me. 2 years in this house and they still look at me as if I’m something the cat brought in 🐁. Think they must be related as they’re all so miserable. They don’t know what they’re missing 🤣. Life is too short not to chat & be friendly and it’s pretty obvious straight away if they are not interested. Stroll on….

Being brought up in a big family always surrounded by people too. Even though I was quite naturally shy I learnt to get to be heard you had to be vocal. I worked in the public domain for many years talking to other people was second nature.
I always say good morning and smile when out with our dog. Most people reply some don't that's up to them.
If I go anywhere new I always engage in conversation. Some people are not so forward but soon feel at ease in company they don't know if someone starts a conversation.

When I was much younger, I was extremely shy, and I was always embarrassed if my Mum made me ask a question to someone I didn't know well. Many years later, I will always strike up a conversation to someone in a queue or any other situation. As others have said, it could be the only conversation that person has had that day or week.

I'm 82 and it sounds silly, but I am still quite shy. My eldest son keeps telling me to speak to people when I'm out. It's not easy for me, but boy when I do have a good old natter I certainly go home feeling a lot happier .

Babs03

Greta

I have been a member of our U3A group for some time but I'm thinking of leaving. There is a very cliquey atmosphere in the group. People sit with those they know and don't seem interested in others. I have said hello and introduced myself several times but I would be very surprised if anybody knows who I am. Having said that I have friends who go to other U3As and feel very welcome there.

I hate this. Once volunteered at a charity shop, tried hard to fit in but was a well established clique there who made it clear that newcomers were not welcome. So I left and volunteered elsewhere soon finding a bunch of people who were only too happy to include me.
Could you go to another U3A, or join a different club?

This made me smile- oh the irony, to say this on GN of all places!

I talk to anyone and everyone on trains, buses, shops, queues, surely that’s what makes the world go round

What else do you do in a queue except talk to the person next to you?

I love a natter and having always worked with the public, I find it easy to strike up a conversation. I’ve met loads of other dog owners whilst walking my dog. Now that I’m retired I can walk at a sensible time and meet people.
At the doctors recently I chatted to an older couple and to a young mum with a really cute baby . I also volunteer in a charity shop and enjoy a chat with the customers.
I used to go to a yoga class with about 20 in it and found the women quite cliquey. They all had their particular space in the room and would save a place next to them for a friend and weren’t in making conversation. I now go to a smaller class of 6 and it’s so much friendlier.

I felt the same Greta, my first taste of our local WI was far friendlier.
Sheltering from the rain today I had a chat with a chap about fishing (we were by an estuary), which led on to pollution, an interesting ten minutes, then we bid our goodbyes.

I find it varies. If I'm feeling a bit down then I don't want to talk to anyone. But often, when I'm feeling ok, I do talk to strangers. Last week I saw an unusual dog of a breed I didn't recognise and couldn't resist asking the owner about the dog. We had a very nice conversation.

Greta

I have been a member of our U3A group for some time but I'm thinking of leaving. There is a very cliquey atmosphere in the group. People sit with those they know and don't seem interested in others. I have said hello and introduced myself several times but I would be very surprised if anybody knows who I am. Having said that I have friends who go to other U3As and feel very welcome there.

Groups of people are very strange aren't they? I plucked up courage to go to WI. A roomfull of chattering strangers.Taking my courage in my hands, I approached a circle of chairs only to be told " I'm saving that for my sister" Attempt 2 was met with " Oh that's Enid's seat"

I stuck it out a couple of times and then gave up.

Sometimes a few words to a stranger can be life saver.
Years ago I was at Clapham junction station with friends ready to go to Twickenham to watch the rugby. Amidst the crowds I saw a young woman crying on her own. As the train starting coming to the station I saw her step forward over the yellow line on the platform. I touched her arm and said about the rugby match and other trivia. The train stopped and I asked her if she was ok. She replied that's she thought she would be.
I often wonder whether she would have stepped in front of the train.
I think talking to her just changed her mindset in that moment.

I have swapped a `good morning` with at least eight people on my fast walk around town. It was early too. People all talk to strangers here and there is plenty of tact, it gets obvious who does not want contact and we respect that this is their choice.

I live in one of the kindest, upbeat and most helpful places in the uk. It was a good find for me when I decided to move for old age. Old fashioned values abound and that includes speaking to strangers too

I'm happy to strike up a conversation with complete strangers. I do it in shops, on public transport anywhere!
The thing that embarrassed my children was my tendency to sing in the street. When we went out anywhere my daughter always reminded me, "mum, dont sing."

worked on a c/put so always spoke to strangers, was told when i started even if its just about the weather

I do this too, mainly to other other older ladies at the bus stop or on public transport. We both enjoy it!