Would you mind talking to your co-passenger?
By dpk262006
@dpk262006 (58675)
Delhi, India
December 25, 2017 11:16pm CST
Some of us find it difficult to initiate a conversation with a stranger while travelling in a public transport (e.g. bus, metro train, train or pooled cab). While travelling in a public transport, some of us feel hesitant to talk to a stranger. Some of us don't want to disturb our co-passenger thinking that we might invade his/her privacy or s/he may not give gentle response to we initiating a conversation with him. Sometimes, journey is long and you are alone, in that case it makes sense to break the ice with fellow co-passenger to spend the time.
Do you shy away from talking to strangers in a public transport or you are upfront and you do not hesitate talking to a stranger and to know about him/her?
Image courtesy - Google
15 people like this
21 responses
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
26 Dec 17
@dpk262006 I keep to myself. But if someone talks to me then I will talk back. Usually depends on my mood but sometimes I will talk a lot to keep the conversation going or I will keep my responses short and sweet. I'm not usually a big talker unless it's with someone I know very well.
4 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
It means that generally you do not initiate a conversation but if a co-passenger initiates, you do not mind responding to him/her. Yes, I agree with you that talking to a stranger also depends upon our mood and state of mind. On a given day, we may be unwell or tired, in that case we do not feel like talking to a stranger.
PS - Nice to see you on the board after a long time. 
PPS - You are looking beautiful in your profile picture.
PPS - You are looking beautiful in your profile picture. 2 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
26 Dec 17
@dpk262006 aw thank you. Yeah I haven't been on much as of late but trying to make a come back on here. I have a LOT to catch up on here. So hopefully I can see you around on here also.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
@VivaLaDani13 You are welcome dear. 
Yes, you could take your own time to catch up with mylot discussions and your friends here. I will be around.
Yes, you could take your own time to catch up with mylot discussions and your friends here. I will be around. 2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
Normally, you won't talk to a co-passenger, except the fact if she is a woman of your age. There is nothing wrong in reading a book and keep ourselves busy in that.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
@LadyDuck Yes, if you initiate a conversation with a male co-passenger, it could be misunderstood.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458233)
• Switzerland
26 Dec 17
@dpk262006 As I am a woman, I would never address first to a man, this could be seen as an "invitation", not very convenient.
2 people like this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
26 Dec 17
Most of the time I would only initiate a conversation if I know it would be of some help to them, an example would be if he dropped something or if I need to call his attention or bond with the person if there is a problem inside the public transport cause 2 is better than one.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
It is nice on your part that you do not mind initiating a conversation with a stranger. It could be on the pretext of finding some dropped item or about the condition of public transport.
that you do not mind initiating a conversation with a stranger. It could be on the pretext of finding some dropped item or about the condition of public transport.1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
Apparently, you do not start the conversation, you want the other fellow to start the conversation and if she breaks the ice, then you carry forward the conversation. Nice on your part.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Dec 17
@dpk262006 I always smile so they know I'm receptive to a bit of a chat if they are so inclined. Not everyone wants to talk on public transport. In fact, mostly they don't.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
@JudyEv It is good that you give a smile so that others could understand that you are open to chat, if they initiate it. Yes, you are right that most of the people won't like to talk to a stranger in a public transport.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
Yes, if it is a long journey, one needs to break the ice to do away the boredom. You are right that it could a small conversation and if both parties are interested, then the conversation could be carried along.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
It means that you are introvert and reserve and you do not like to open up with strangers. What if the other guy starts a conversations with you? Will you respond or will you keep quiet?
@much2say (53958)
• Los Angeles, California
26 Dec 17
I don't take public transportation, but I have no problem talking to strangers if they are willing 
. I have met all kinds of people while shopping and such - for some reason people will end up chatting me - and I don't mind as long as I have some time. I am quite comfortable talking to people I don't know!
. I have met all kinds of people while shopping and such - for some reason people will end up chatting me - and I don't mind as long as I have some time. I am quite comfortable talking to people I don't know!1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
It is good that you do not mind talking to strangers at public places, provided they initiate the conversation. You give your ear to them and would listen to them, if you have time.
that you do not mind talking to strangers at public places, provided they initiate the conversation. You give your ear to them and would listen to them, if you have time.1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
@much2say Yes, if you initiate conversation with an elderly person, s/he will be happy to talk to you because it is irony that no one wants to listen to old people.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53958)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Dec 17
@dpk262006 Sometimes I will be the one to initiate the conversation 
. You can tell by their reactions if they are willing to chat or not (but in most cases it seems to be happy about it, particularly elderly people).
. You can tell by their reactions if they are willing to chat or not (but in most cases it seems to be happy about it, particularly elderly people). 1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
28 Dec 17
It depends if my co-passenger is someone I know of because of a relative or a family member. But usually, I play my jewel game on my mobile, while travelling home from work.
But when it's going to our hometown, I really relish the sights while the jeepney travels.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
The discussion talks about talking with a stranger not with a known person. Understandably, if you play game on your mobile, then you do not talk to unknown people.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Dec 17
@SIMPLYD How do you ascertain that they are friendly?
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
28 Dec 17
@dpk262006 I get to talk with unknown co-passenger when they seem friendly too.
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20261)
•
27 Dec 17
I am quite good at cheering people up, that is, if they need such a thing. Guess I am a good comedian and a gifted clown when the need arises. (But if there is no need, I could be extremely good in freezing nosy people out, turning them into ice etc. )
)1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
It is interesting to hear that you could cheer up others around you and if need be you could act as a comedian for them. Does it mean that you do not mind initiating a conversation with a stranger in a public transport?
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
@YrNemo It is commendable on your part that children, (insecure) adults and animals like you because of your attitude. Please do not worry if someone hates you, it is his/her outlook and perception, none of your fault.
, (insecure) adults and animals like you because of your attitude. Please do not worry if someone hates you, it is his/her outlook and perception, none of your fault.1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20261)
•
27 Dec 17
@dpk262006 never had any trouble in the past ever . That is why children, insecure adults & animals tend to like me. (BUT I become a target easily for some to hate me. It happens unfortunately! )
. That is why children, insecure adults & animals tend to like me. (BUT I become a target easily for some to hate me. It happens unfortunately! )1 person likes this
@Behindtheguitarbar (2831)
• Guangdong, China
26 Dec 17
no, I'm not that person. I would like to enjoy my trip alone rather than talk with the co-passenger..
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
You are apparently reserve by nature and you would not like to indulge in a conversation with a co-passenger. Would you mind responding if your co-passenger initiates conversation?
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
@Behindtheguitarbar So you won't mind responding to a co-passenger, if s/he initiates conversation.
@Behindtheguitarbar (2831)
• Guangdong, China
27 Dec 17
@dpk262006 well, if in that case, sure, of course I will respond. I will show my courtesy.
1 person likes this
@Melanie_Marie (1786)
• New Baltimore, Michigan
27 Dec 17
If I'm trapped on a plane with somebody (I feel sorry for them, because I'm afraid to fly) - then yes, I will talk with them. Only because it would seem more awkward to ignore them, esp. because we're sitting so close. That's the only public transport I use. BUT NOT VERY OFTEN! I'm scared! 
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
What makes you think that you are trapped in a plane? I can understand that if you are flying and it is a long flight, you won't mind talking to your co-passenger. What makes you feel scared of flying?
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
@Melanie_Marie It is okay and it is normal if you do not trust a stranger.
Yes, I can understand that when the plane takes off, we get goosebumps and till it reaches a better position, our heart beat goes faster. . It is good that you do not feel odd when the airplane is flying in the sky and when it lands.
. It is good that you do not feel odd when the airplane is flying in the sky and when it lands.1 person likes this
@Melanie_Marie (1786)
• New Baltimore, Michigan
27 Dec 17
@dpk262006 I just don't trust them! The worst part is taking off, I always feel like the plane will go up and then PLOP right back down. I do okay during the rest of the flight as long as things don't get too bumpy, and my favorite part is landing. Nothing makes me happier than when those wheels touch the ground.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
What makes you nervous? Do you get worried that s/he may rob you or physically harm you?
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
@myhuka I think you should not feel afraid while talking to a stranger. Until and unless he is a fraud or a bad element. You are right that if he starts talking to you, you will have no option but to reply to him.
@myhuka (207)
•
27 Dec 17
@dpk262006 no its because i dont like to talk with a stranger face to face .but it will be impolite to ignore him if he start talking to me.that makes nervous.
1 person likes this
@creativeaashish (2609)
• Kathmandu, Nepal
26 Dec 17
I don't really initiate the talks. And if they initiate I don't show them my back. I enjoy the talks but I don't talk much! Some people think that I don't talk much with anyone. And I think that's real!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
It is okay if you do not initiate conversation with strangers, it is quite normal. Most of us are like you. It is good that you respond to others, when they start conversing with you.
@creativeaashish (2609)
• Kathmandu, Nepal
26 Dec 17
@dpk262006 Yeah! That is what I do! I think it is okay with me!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
19 May 21
Yes, you are right if your co-passenger smiles and show positive sign, then you could extend your hand and could talk to him/her. Sometimes, we come to know that we have met a wonderful person, who was outwardly looking an average guy.
PS - Again it is an old discussion and you made it active. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
26 Dec 17
It depends on the co-passenger. I sometimes talk to my co-passengers when I see that they're not doing anything. It means they're open to conversations. But when a co-passenger is using an earphone or reading a book, it means they don't want to be bothered.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
You have rightly said that now a days most of the passengers are busy meddling with their mobile phones while travelling in a public transport. They are either listening to music or watching a video or playing a game on their mobile. May be they do not want to be disturbed by others. In this scenario, there is no point initiating a conversation with them.
that now a days most of the passengers are busy meddling with their mobile phones while travelling in a public transport. They are either listening to music or watching a video or playing a game on their mobile. May be they do not want to be disturbed by others. In this scenario, there is no point initiating a conversation with them.1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
26 Dec 17
It means that you won't find it difficult to initiate a conversation with an unknown co-passenger?
@smileyhema (4606)
• United States
2 Jul 19
I'm not a shy person at all. I never mind talking to people while traveling. But, I kind of understand their preference as well.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
It means you won't normally initiate a conversation with a stranger.
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
26 Dec 17
Oh yes, I'm quite shy around new people, I would find it difficult
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
27 Dec 17
So you won't talk to a stranger if you are travelling on a public transport or if you are at a public place because you are reserve by nature. It is quite normal for most of us.
@thedevilinme (3904)
• Northampton, England
27 Dec 17
I would definitely be talking to you
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
28 Dec 17
It is about talking with a stranger on a public transport. I may not be your co-passenger.
