Speak to strangers.

Fleurpepper

Still do, only right, no?

Sadly I think it would be viewed with great suspicion where I live.. he did it with total strangers.. Do you live in France, or the countryside...it might be different there

Apart from a shop assistant, you could be the only person someone speaks to all day.

You never know, you could find a new best friend!

The odd time my DD and I go shopping she usually says and don't be talking to random strangers Mum. Who me talk to random strangers never 😂. I'll say hello to everyone and that includes 'random' cats and dogs. Just have to be a little careful of course but that could also apply to people. I do find though that it's more likely the older people who chat back. I suppose we were just brought up not so wary as the youngsters nowadays. So just keeeep chatting 😁 😉

I love chatting with people when I am out and about. There are lots of interesting and chatty people out there. Last year a new craft group started locally and I thought I would join. Eek the people were so clicky I felt really uncomfortable needless to say I never went back and joined a different group where I was made to feel really welcome. My son in law was horrified that I spoke to people on my train journeys, he said he couldn’t think of anything worse as that was his time and he would not want anyone to chat with him. Maybe it’s because he is from a big city and I grew up in a small town where most of us knew each other. I will carry on chatting especially when walking the dog.

Truffle43

I love chatting with people when I am out and about. There are lots of interesting and chatty people out there. Last year a new craft group started locally and I thought I would join. Eek the people were so clicky I felt really uncomfortable needless to say I never went back and joined a different group where I was made to feel really welcome. My son in law was horrified that I spoke to people on my train journeys, he said he couldn’t think of anything worse as that was his time and he would not want anyone to chat with him. Maybe it’s because he is from a big city and I grew up in a small town where most of us knew each other. I will carry on chatting especially when walking the dog.

Yes, I agree with you re the local craft group. If people don't make the effort to talk even about something as simple as the the weather, you don't connect. I don't want to know the secrets of their soul, but a nice 'Lovely to see the sun again', said with a smile, connects. I've done a bit of an observation on this and noticed that some people just don't have anything to say for themselves. Then they moan when people don't include them etc.

I enjoy a good natter. I don't need their life story but just general chit chat is a pleasant way to pass the time.

As well as chatting to strangers I always give people who pass me on the street a smile often I get one back sometimes people look at me as if I m a nutter
Yesterday I passed a young Asian lad about 12 walking to school I gave him a smile and he nodded a little bow with his head to me, I hope he felt noticed I often see him walking alone
We never know what a smile or a simple chat can mean to someone

I’m lucky enough to live in a village with active coffee morning groups. It’s mostly older women who go and we chat and joke then go home. Recently a man came to one of the meetings, he didn’t say much but people chatted to him and he came regularly. He told me on Tuesday that before joining our group he hadn’t spoke to any one for 6 months. He’s gained confidence and now goes to coffee mornings and a men’s club on Thursday. My point is just talking to someone can give them the confidence to join groups and meet people.

When you travel alone (as I have mostly done) you have to talk to strangers if you want information, directions and so on. I dont go out much now but I am happy to chat to the postman, delivery person, etc. I know that they have a job to do so they wont be staying and taking up my time. So its no sacrifice to thank them for delivering my package and wishing them a good day.

When I say that I "keep myself to myself" it dont want to get involved with neighbours or sales people who may waste my time. When you are self employed time is money. They can go and talk to all the lonely people of whom I am not one.

I listen to a long podcast to fall asleep each night
I enjoyed this one hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-the-gift-of-other-people/

Daitch56, you might like to have a listen. 🤗