Are you approachable?
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
March 26, 2009 12:04pm CST
Sometimes I feel like I have "Sure! Ask ME anything!" written across my forehead LOL Almost any time I'm in a store or other public place, a stranger will come up to me and ask for help (everything from the price of an item to the time of day to "do you think this suits me?"). I sort of laugh if someone asks "Do you work here?" when I'm standing in the aisle with my jacket and boots on and such. I won't be rude and say, "Uh yeah... I always wear my outdoor clothing on the job" *grin* but it makes me wonder why it happens so often. My sister tells me that I'm just very approachable and that I "look friendly." So... how "approachable" are you?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
26 Mar 09
Hi thinking... That's funny! I don't think I'm that approachable but I have had people talk with me while waiting on line in a store. And a couple of years ago I had a man come up to me in the feminine section of the supermarket. He explained to me that his wife just had a baby and he needed to get her the correct pads. Of course I helped him but I'm sure that it was embarrassing for him that he even had to ask for help. I guess some faces are more inviting than others and you must have that kind of face!
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
27 Mar 09
Hi ya deejean! I'm laughing at your story because I've had a couple of "feminine hygiene" questions myself LOL! I feel really bad for men in that section because they really get the "deer in the headlights" look at times *grin* Maybe I DO have that kind of face... not sure... but I know I'm still staring in the mirror looking for the words on my forehead LOL Thanks for responding ;)
@grecychunny26 (9482)
• Philippines
23 Jul 09
Yes, although I look snobbish at all times or sometimes rather, you can ask me anything.For real I don't talk to stranger I only analyze what they are saying.If I know what they are talking I will answer simple and straight. When I don't know I still help them by seeking the help of other people around.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
23 Jul 09
Like you, I try not to encourage long conversations with strangers simply because, at some point, I do kind of find it uncomfortable. But it's nice that you are willing to help others, even by seeking out further information. I think that is a very kind way to be :)
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
29 Mar 09
I do not think I am approachable. I am born with a sour face. No matter how hard I try to smile, the face is still sour. Hence, I gave up smiling because it is very tiring to fake a smile. However, people still do approach me especially when I least wanted to be approached. And of course, I do not inscribed the words "I am approached" on my forehead. :p
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
29 Mar 09
LOL! Hi there whyaskq :) Nice to see you, as I haven't in awhile! I don't blame you on the fake smile, either... that's just tiresome and people can often tell anyway so it's really not worth the effort.
@snowcat46 (2322)
• United States
28 Mar 09
I used to be. People would come up to me all the time. Friends would call me at any time of the day and talk for hours. I made myself mean and selfish, so I wasn't called at all hours of the day. I got to be quite snotty on the phone. They just wouldn't listen! The sentences, "I need to go to work" or "I have to sleep" made them get all snide towards me. I got tired of feeling guilty.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
29 Mar 09
snowcat, I could take some lessons from you, friend! When it comes to business, I am very firm and never allow someone to detract from my time. However, when it comes to family or friends, I have a much harder time cutting them off... and you're right... we feel guilty for that and we shouldn't. I know that I'm never offended if someone says to me, "Well I have to go to work now" but I assume people will be offended if I say it! Makes no sense when I think about it... but I still allow it.
@cortypants (604)
• United States
6 Apr 09
I have the same stamp on my forehead!! :D I guess I just have a friendly face. I don't mind, although the things some strangers choose to share with you never fails to amaze me!! What's really funny, is I'm pretty shy and don't make friends easily. I guess I have a friendly face but don't open up to people easily? LOL.
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
27 Mar 09
You know what's funny is I have had people tell me I should not cross my arms or something similar because it makes me less approachable and I say "Good!" I am not always in the mood to entertain someone when I am out in public.
People don't even ask me if I work somewhere, they just ask for whatever it is they need help with and I have to tell them I don't work somewhere. I've been told it's because I look like I know the answer, but the truth is I often do, lol.
I would rather be approached this way than have someone try to start banal conversation with me when all I want to do is go about my business or when some guy is trying to hit on me and not getting I am not interested.
Maybe if no one ever approached me I would complain in the other direction, lol.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
27 Mar 09
I've heard that too, Canellita, that crossing the arms makes a person appear to be creating distance between themselves and others. I usually know the answers too... I wonder if I just frequent the same stores too often? LOL! But you're right -- I, too, would prefer to be approached by someone with a legitimate question or need for help, rather than someone that just wants to chit chat. A lot of times, when I'm running errands, I don't have a lot of leeway for that :\
