Temat: Nice day today, isn't it - starting a conversation in...
warren whitmore:
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Questions:
What's the best way to start a conversation with a stranger?
It really depends on the situation, location and for the most part my mood. I find myself talking to strangers on different occasions for no apparent reason what so ever. On Sept. 11th 2001 I was working in NYC about 8 blocks from the WTC, so after the whole thing went down it took me hours to get home, since I live across the river. Once in NJ, I was waiting for a bus, at the bus stop there was a guy standing there looking seriously stressed out and nervous. I remember he said something to the effect - "what if they decide to drop one on Jersey City?" - to which I replied - "That would be like breaking into someone's house and stealing their garbage" .. after that we ended up talking about what happened for good 30 min before the bus came.
Any reason is good for a conversation, in general I like talking to people, you never know what you could pick up.
Would you be happier if strangers didn't approach you?
Again, it's a matter of what location, situation and mood... but I don't mind shooting the breeze with someone while waiting for a train, bus or while commuting.
Should we smile at people we don't know, or is this artificial?
I try to save smiles for my neighbors or people that I frequently pass on the street or run into at the bus stop daily. Quick hellos or some passive comments regarding a late bus or weather do happen, sometimes leading to a conversation. I am a pretty good judge of character I think and can detect if a person is not feeling the conversation. I hate when people go on and on while you are not even paying attention.
Which nationalities are the most approachable (easy to talk to)?
I think it's more of a personal matter rather than one relating to a nationality. I have a pretty relaxed approach, maybe that makes it easier to break the initial ice, but other than some language barriers, I don't see how nationality would play a major role in making a contact.
In your opinion, are Poles friendly to strangers, and are there any regions which are more friendly or unfriendly than others?
I think Poles are rather cautious yet curious and this combination can sometimes come off a bit rough around the edges for foreigners. Also, being a free nation for not even two decades, the idea of strangers residing willingly in Poland may be still a little awkward to some.
And if you're not from Poland or the U.K., how friendly or unfriendly would you judge your country to be?
This is a tough one when it comes to the US. Americans in general are very opened and friendly folks, with some exceptions of course. There are various issues that have been on the table for some time now, usually related to immigration policies and immigrants in general. It's true that it is much easier to strike up a conversation with someone from your own race, but it is also all in the approach. I have had some problems in the past, but it really wasn't anything worth mentioning. I think no matter where you are or who you are, if you treat others with respect and no hidden agendas that may transpire through your conversation you should be ok. In America (generally) it's pretty natural for strangers to shoot the shit for any reason.
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