Not so strange now
I like hanging out with friends and making friends, but I don't like talking to strangers. I don't know what this says about me, since generally everyone starts out being a stranger before they can become your friend.
There are some people, like Ms Bunny, who can just sit down next to a stranger and strike up a conversation. But with strangers, I'm usually very covetous of my personal space. Unless, of course, I'm at a party or something like that. It hardly makes sense to refuse to talk to strangers at parties; may as well not go in the first place!
So. Today I sat down to have lunch in a crowded restaurant, and it was so crowded that soon all the tables were full. A lady came to my table and asked if the seat opposite me was taken. I gestured for her to go ahead, and she sat opposite me.
I didn't even look at her. I just continued eating.
Likewise... I don't talk to people who sit next to me on planes or buses -- unless they initiate a conversation. I don't talk to supermarket cashiers, sales assistants in department stores or restaurant waitresses. Heck, I don't even talk to my hairstylist. I'm polite to them, I smile and say 'please' and 'thank you', but I don't chat with them.
The funny thing is that Bob says I'm chatty. I think I'm friendly -- but I'm just not very friendly to total strangers who do not approach me in a context I'm comfortable with. But if you're a blogger friend... and you happen to be in the area... and you're interested in meeting up... there's nothing I'd love more. Been having some great times with MeanDean and the rest of the gang. Here he is. Hi, Dean! ;)
