Do you talk to random people?

United States
May 5, 2011 8:00pm CST
Do you talk to random people in general, anywhere you go? I was sitting on a bench, taking photos because I wanted to try out my new camera, Canon EOS Rebel T1i & people just kept talking to me asking me if I was okay....and that I look nervous, scared? AND IT WASN'T JUST ONE PERSON BUT in the entire hour, about 4 people stopped to ask me. IT WAS JUST WEIRD. Nothing is wrong with me they acted as if I was a lost child or something. Do you approach people randomly? And talk to them?
2 people like this
18 responses
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
20 May 11
No, I never do, unless something unusual has happened, or I need directions or something. And what's more, it's very rare anyone talks to me. Although I do look at people a lot; and people look at me a lot too; and smile at me: I have a friendly, open and exuberant demeanour; although a little shy too; a bit of both. But people react positively to me, even though I don't speak much.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
19 May 11
hi, yes,sometimes i talk to people randomly,but of course selectable person only,if that person is weird of course i will not,but sometimes it depends on how they approach me.
@lumenmom (1986)
• United States
6 May 11
There was a time when I would be very hesitant to approach people and talk, but now I am more comfortable doing it. I find people like to talk to people whether they know you or not, and lots of times you find you may have more in common with someone than you think. You sometimes find you know some of the same people or you may be able to share information that the other person needs. Most of my casual encounters of this kind are very productive and some have lead to lasting friendships. It does sound strange that they all asked you if you were ok, but at the same time so many things are happening to people out here they were acting on what they thought they saw in your expression. Though it probably felt weird, they were being pro active and if something were wrong these would be the people you would want to show up.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
6 May 11
Not really, at least not going out of my way. Of course if a person does talk to me, that seems random, I am polite and make some small talk before we both get on with the rest of their lives. I tend to be rather guarded a lot of the time around people that I am not all that familiar with. These people I'm sure most of them that I pass on the street are very friendly and great people, but there is always a chance that they would want to get on with the rest of their day. So yeah, I don't go out of my way to talk to Random people. Sometimes random people do talk to me that way. And it can be a very interesting conversation some times. Sometimes just a passing moment, before we really get on with the rest of our day. Still, I do enjoy learning new things and you never know what a new conversation with a random person can bring. It is most certainly a change of pace, that much is for sure.
• Philippines
7 May 11
Yeah I do. I don't normally talk to other people unless I am waiting for somebody and maybe on a line in an office to get some documents just so I can pass the time chatting about unimportant things. It is surprising how many people are willing to talk to strangers as long as you smile at them first. They say I got a gentle and sweet face. It must be that. In your case maybe the people around you are not used to seeing somebody doing what you do, here in the Philippines what your doing is considered normal and watch with amusement but they don't approach and ask questions, just nod their head and smile.
@thatgirl13 (7294)
• South Korea
6 May 11
I don't approach random people usually unless I have something to do with them, like ask for directions. But yes there are many people that have come up to me for conversations. It's scares me sometimes and I ignore them but sometimes I just go with the flow.
@joodzki6 (596)
• Philippines
6 May 11
That is not weird, there's nothing to be afraid of. We need to expose ourselves to different kind of people but of course with a little care because not all can be trusted. But talking to people is something really challenging and educating. you will learn a lot from them with their different stories. That is part of growing up and for maturity. I think you should be thankful that someone is willing to talk to you. Good Luck! : )
• United States
6 May 11
Not typically, no. But the fact I have social anxiety issues as it is probably has a lot to do with that. But that is certainly odd that four people in an hour would stop and ask if you were okay in the sense they said you looked nervous and/or scared.
• Philippines
6 May 11
No, I don't talk to strangers. But if someone needs help I'll lend a hand. maybe you're just being prank? OR maybe you're pale that time?? did they tell you anything? Must be scary thing to happen. If I am in your shoes, first thing that would enter my mind if I am being prank and be shown in national television next, or I am being targeted by thief (it may happen, you know, a normal person would not just suddenly barge in you when you're totally okey), or maybe I must look weird to them
• India
6 May 11
Yeah Lot of People approaches in my life randomly. In the start it kind of feels weird to talk to them because we dont know who the person is and in out inner voice is really frightful to talk to them, But i tell you we should be used to talk such strangers as it gives us strength to face in any situation. In my daily schedule life where i travel through trains i meet lot of random people who ask some sort of questions, I just keep my mind calm and talk to them as a friend after the conversation you really feel better and confident to talk to other strangers when you are in any need of something emergency. So strongly i feel talking to strangers is weird but we should have the habbit to talk to them.
@allknowing (130066)
• India
6 May 11
Are we not doing it here at myLot!. I know not a soul here but thoroughly enjoy this interaction. Sometimes in real life also and this happens when one is waiting for some transport or travelling long distance we do try and strike a conversation with the fellow travellers. I have done this several times.
@polaris77 (2040)
• Bacau, Romania
6 May 11
I'm not the kind of person who approaches people in the street and engages in a conversation with them for no reason,the only time I do that is usually when I ask for directions,but if someone unkown comes to me and tries to talk to me I generally don't refuse the dialogue;sometimes I can meet interesting people this way.
• Philippines
6 May 11
well , for me if someone asks me I answer him or her but not to the point that I make chitchats because here in our place there are so many swindlers around. There are issues here about thiefs who hipnotized u by talking to you and get your money.That's why I am afraid to entertain even they look so friendly
@Achaiah (34)
• Mexico
6 May 11
I always talk with random people on the street, on the subway, the mall, anywhere; you could be amazed as how many friends you ca make by just saying "hi", it isnt about being flirting, or looking for something or someone for me its just about being happy and lending a smile whenever i can =P
6 May 11
hello infatuated bby i dont normally talk to stranger, if they do i will reply back and speak with them. but unfortunately i have a very bad or good (i don't knoe) habit to smile at anyone. when am walking and if stranger pass by looking at my face then i just smile back to them. i am so used to it by now that it is sort of reflex, happens automatically. if more than 1 person approached to you and asked same question then there should be smth weird with you :P (kidding!)
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
6 May 11
i have had jobs in the past where it was part of my job to talk to random strangers. i just got used to it after a while. I can generally strike up a conversation with anybody now and be comfortable doing it.
• United States
6 May 11
I don't usually, although I must say that if I face someone as I am passing by I will say something like Good day or some form of greeting. Unless the person really looked like they need help I probably would not stop to ask any questions. Seems kind of an odd thing to do, outside of greet that is.
• Canada
6 May 11
In general, I would greet a stranger sometimes if they look my way, while passing by. Other than that, not really...Maybe you look a lot younger to some people than you actually are.