Talk to strangers

I was not one of those parents who told my kids not to talk to strangers. I did tell them not to go anywhere with them, I am not sure they listened to me on that one because I know both my kids are very out going and have been known to go to parties with random people.

Chatty Cathy (Dianna)

I was raised by grandparents, and because we didn't have a car, my grandfather traveled the city by bus. I remember a time when he came home from a shopping trip, feeling a little upset. He was on the bus sitting next to a teenage girl. He tried to talk to her and she treated him like he was a dirty old man, which he was not. Always well dressed and groomed, he was polite and respectful. I will never forget my grandfather’s face, the look of disappointment when he told me the way the girl looked at him and then moved seats. And that story definitely has colored the way I am in public everyday. Yes, sometimes I attract the crazy ones, but they are interesting too and have a story to tell.

Coffee time

On one of my recent bike rides in the river valley, I come upon a lady walking with two extra large Tim Horton’s coffees. I couldn't resist asking her if she was looking for someone to have coffee with. We both laughed as she told me her husband was taking one of his small bladder breaks in the river valley bushes. We started to chat and she seemed so familiar to me. I had my helmet and sunglasses on so she really didn't get a good look at me either. It took about 3 minutes to realize we had been neighbor’s about 20 years earlier and they owned the local bakery in that community. We chatted and when her husband came back we had a good laugh about the whole event. What made me stop and talk to her when I had passed so many others on that path? Energy, intuition...I don't know and really it doesn't matter. I am just amazed at the intuitiveness I possess when I don't filter.

When I hear people tell their children not to talk to strangers, I have been known to say, it is not the strangers you need to worry about. It is sometimes our own families that hurt us the most…that is an entirely other story. And sometimes it is the strangers that come to our rescue.

Photo taken at Canmore Folk Fest, August 2013. Julie was a stranger next to me in the morning line-up and by the end of the weekend was a treasured friend. Thanks Julie for sharing, you are truly a fabulous woman.

3 tips to talk to strangers

Keep it simple. The best way to connect with a person you don't know is to be yourself. If you are not sure what to say, just say hi, how is your day? Start a conversation about your common experience, getting caught in the rain, a bad movie, a long grocery line-up or coffee shop. Be positive, friendly and most of all smile.

Ego be gone. Be prepared you will be ignored or looked at with that, "why are you talking to me stare" don't be discouraged, because you may be rewarded with a smile another time,

Practice make perfect. Go to events by yourself and be open to talking to people. Try going to an art show, join a meet-up group, speed dating is great practice for the single person or any outdoor activity. 

It may not be your cup of tea to start the conversation, but do yourself and the world a favor, be courteous to those of us who take the risk to start one. Not only does this create great karma, but you never know who you may meet, a new business partner or a new client for your business. Or how about a new love relationship, friend or someone that can help you with a problem.

I would love to hear of a random conversation that sparked something exciting. Please share.

Have a blessed day.

Be kind.

Dianna Bowes