I don’t mean a creepy kind of connection here. Something about the words “connect” and “stranger” together makes this sound creepy doesn’t it? I’m just talking about small talk in the supermarket or saying hi to the little old lady at the bank. When you are looking to get out of that rut, taking a minute to connect with a stranger can make a difference.
If you’re in a rut or cranky or pissed off at the world or feeling sorry for yourself, sometimes it can help just to be nice and make small talk with a stranger.
It feels like everyone is always busy, always going about their own business in their own world. It’s nice to remember that we’re all just people. We all have thoughts and feelings and experiences. Everyone has good days and bad days.
The idea of connecting with other people- and not connecting with other people- has been worming its way around my brain for a long time. I think connection is lacking in our modern world- deep, meaningful connection mostly. But also little connections. Little kindnesses. Being human and real with each other in the public, day-to-day world.
A good example is a lady I chatted with on the checkout line at ShopRite a few weeks ago…
(I feel like it always comes back to ShopRite)
She was on one line and I went to stand behind her but realized the line next door was open and no one was waiting. So I pointed it out to her and she was appreciative and I went on line behind her because she only had a few things.
She thanked me and went on to tell me she was 92 (and looked amazing!!). Her husband is 96. They’ve been married for 62 years or 67, either way, a very long time. I told her she should write a book and she seemed to think that was a good idea and maybe she would.
That short conversation turned my mood around. It seemed to make her happy, too. She seemed pretty chipper, to begin with, but she wasn’t chatting with anyone on the other line.
And little interactions like that often spill over. After that the cashier was chatty. A lady on the next line was chatty. Our little connection warmed the space around us and made it easier for other people to connect, too.
Even if you’re “not a people person…”
Whether you say, “I love people,” or, “I hate people,” connecting with others is important. And it’s usually good for the soul. I totally understand not liking people- and I know mean people suck and it feels like there are a lot of not-so-nice people out there. But sometimes even those people benefit from a little connection, a little kindness.
So reaching out (even in a small way and even to a stranger) can make your day better and can help you snap out of your rut for a little while. It might make the other person’s day a whole lot better too.
Do you have a story about connecting with a stranger that sticks with you? I’d love to hear it! Comment here, email me, or visit me on Facebook!
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