Stranger in a bus stop

Bus time
@gofsey (1912)
Madurai, India
September 3, 2018 7:57am CST
What is your reaction to meeting a stranger in an unknown town? Do you smile or do you look around for a bus to board? It happens every day but even when you want to leave you get the feeling that something interesting will take place. I don't know how this thought entered my head, I just had to let go and so here it is. It all depends on whether the bus has arrived or not. If it has, I leave if not I might try a smile. Do you think you would do anything else?
7 people like this
9 responses
Anna
@LadyDuck (459379)
• Switzerland
3 Sep 18
Smiling sometimes is dangerous if you are a nice woman and you smile to a man. He can take this as an "invitation". Better to do nothing at all.
4 people like this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
Yes, the family woman will not look at strangers, especially at bus stops. You send the ball the right way Anna!
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (459379)
• Switzerland
3 Sep 18
@gofsey It's not always easy to be a woman.
2 people like this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
@LadyDuck Yeah, I know. It is good to have a mother, a sister, a wife in the house. It keeps the atmosphere cosy.
1 person likes this
Hope
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
3 Sep 18
I'll often smile and say a greeting and see if I can start a conversation. Sometimes, a nice conversation is enjoyed. It makes waiting for the bus a pleasant experience.
3 people like this
Hope
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
4 Sep 18
@gofsey So true!
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
Yup! There is nothing so uninteresting as spending time alone. Sometimes it can lead to a beautiful friendship. But, if it is not so, you can tag along for a while until the bus comes.
1 person likes this
mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
3 Sep 18
I think it depends on the situation and who the stranger might be. This is always a social dilemma.
2 people like this
mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
3 Sep 18
@gofsey If you are just passing time then definitely talking to someone else is the best way. Sometimes you learn a lot from someone else. Other times you learn too much. LOL
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
4 Sep 18
@mommaj Ha ha Time well spent I think but having a talking companion makes my day. I like to keep talking about nothing at all.
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
The idea is to pass time. No one will want anything untoward to happen at any time that is for sure. But, if you find a friend in a strange town, it will help you both.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326191)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Sep 18
I smile at nearly everyone but I'm not used to travelling on buses as we live out of town. You can have some really interesting conversations on buses. I know that from when I used to travel to work on a bus.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326191)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Sep 18
@gofsey And it's amazing how often you find out you know someone that they know.
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
6 Sep 18
@JudyEv It is the best way to get news and check on who is doing what ha ha. I like to travel by bus.
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
5 Sep 18
Yes, that is thrilling. I mean travelling to work on a bus. Some days you meet exciting people and that day turns out to be special.
1 person likes this
Xavier Bage
@franxav (13622)
• India
3 Sep 18
I'd smile and try to strike a conversation but we are in India; if it is a beautiful young lady who knows, things may turn nasty.Then it is better to be on the safe side.
2 people like this
Evaluate
@theend (2778)
• Gifu, Japan
3 Sep 18
Of course I will greet and then see how they behave
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
Definitely, there is much wisdom in doing that. If you need help going around in a new town, it always helps if there is someone to help you, no?
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
3 Sep 18
@theend Now, at least I have a friend!
1 person likes this
Evaluate
@theend (2778)
• Gifu, Japan
3 Sep 18
@gofsey I think that is the best wisdom we have to do. I agree with you
1 person likes this
May2k8
@May2k8 (18097)
• Indonesia
4 Sep 18
I will only smile, sometimes they are not good people.
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
4 Sep 18
Yes, most of the time people are too selfish to be civil and polite. But, you must watch out for places where the bad people gather. It is best to avoid such areas.
1 person likes this
Sue21
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
3 Sep 18
Not sure I would smile at a stranger without knowing him a bit at least. They could get the wrong idea if you see what I mean.
1 person likes this
Sue21
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
4 Sep 18
@gofsey If they strike up a coinversation with me I will reply back to them according to the way they correspond with me. I only normally speak freely with people I know somewhat first.
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
4 Sep 18
Yes, there is danger in being a woman as Anna says. But, you could converse with people if they seem nicely dressed and behave politely.
1 person likes this
Shiva
@Shiva49 (26225)
• Singapore
5 Sep 18
I think it depends on the place, and also gender matters. I have lived in / visited places where people are friendly and outgoing and others where they are reserved. I am welcoming by nature and look to make eye contact and even engage in some friendly banter - siva
1 person likes this
Vivian Sudhir
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
5 Sep 18
Yes, Siva like you say the place matters. If the people try to jump on you, you must take care. Otherwise, there is no problem I think. Yes, eye contact is alright and some friendly banter.
1 person likes this