I Talk With Strangers. Here’s Why You Should Too. By Emma Nadler
A few weeks ago, in the Trader Joe's checkout line, as I resisted the urge to check a text on my phone, I fell into an unexpected conversation with the person ringing up my groceries. It started with my offhanded quip, "You must learn a lot about people by the contents of their carts."
"It's a kind of psychology," the cashier said with a grin. "Very fascinating."
"Exactly! You get a whole window into people's lives," I said, nodding. His face cracked into a wide smile.
It's sometimes not easy to initiate a conversation with someone you don't know well. You can start slowly and feel it out. Ask a question to an acquaintance, such as someone seated near you at a work conference. I like the open-ended phrase, "How is your day going?" Many people are delighted to engage. Some folks crave the interaction and reaching out is an act of kindness that reduces their isolation. Initiating a conversation can help uplift those who are skittish to start an exchange. We all have the power to spark connection through minor shifts in our actions, including putting down smartphones more regularly. And looking up. This frees us to look each other in the eyes. To smile at one another. To have worthwhile interactions that promote understanding and empathy. Through small everyday interactions, we have the power to show our humanity. These exchanges can make the world a better, kinder and maybe even a more carefree place.
"You know what your groceries say?"
"You know what your groceries say?"
"Too many snacks?" My cart was loaded with an assortment of peanut butter pretzels, granola bars and trail mix. Nothing to make an actual meal.
"No — carefree."
I've been called a lot of things, but I don't think anyone has ever called me carefree. Especially based on my random grocery purchases. As I walked towards the parking lot, I felt energized. Not exactly carefree, but more at ease. Our conversation made an otherwise dull errand full of something I needed: human connection.
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