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I Like Talking To Random People

Alright, so this might be totally bizarre, but I'm that person who strikes up a conversation with you in the elevator. I'm the one who asks you about your day in the grocery store, or sits with you in the cafeteria at school. Seriously, though.

This past year was my first time at a four-year university. I was a transfer student as a junior going to a college three hours from my hometown. I didn't know ANYONE. I noticed at the dining hall where I ate two meals a day that there were students sitting alone at lunch and dinner. So, I decided to start sitting with random people.

There was this girl I sat with a few months ago that said, "Wow. Usually I'd be sitting here alone with no one to talk to," and that completely made my day. It made me think it's worth it...eating lunch with someone and talking to them, trying to make them smile.

I started sitting with people every day. Sure, sometimes there would be those shy ones that didn't talk much, and that's perfectly fine. But it does not discount the fact that talking to others in your daily life changes you. It changes your perspective, opens your mind, makes you more accepting of those who are different from you.

Yet other times I feel insecure. I think maybe people won't like me, and don't want me sitting with them. Maybe I don't have a cute outfit on, or I'm just not feeling it that day. Sometimes, I feel so paralyzed with fear that I just sit alone.

I'm going back to college this fall. It will be my last year *woo*

Should I continue sitting with strangers in the dining hall? Why/why not?

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drymer · 56-60, M

Good for you, it's awesome that you feel this way and are willing to approach others... yet it may get you in trouble: you have no clue how these "strangers" really are, some may take it the wrong way, and think you're "up to something" or that you like them in "a different way", you know what I mean... You're a good soul, and the world needs more of your kind, but being a good soul may hurt you in the end... Just be a bit careful, and I hope the new friends you make are as good-hearted as you...

songwrxter · 26-30, F

@drymer: Thanks. I have met some great friends in the dining hall. It's not quite as weird as it seems, since they are all students who attend the same college as me. Sure, it's a little "out there," because most people just sit with the friends they already have, but I don't see the harm in talking to new people. Maybe they need someone to talk to.

drymer · 56-60, M

True, it's a "safer" environment, not like you're talking to stranger in the food court in a mall... if they're fellow students they're probably "safe", I guess... I was thinking that it helps that you are young and female... If I, male in my 50s, tried to approach a lonely student in their lunch break they'll probably run away and call the police...😆 Many years ago, in my 30s, I was driving up a hill and it was pouring rain, and there were two teenage girls running up, getting totally drenched... I slowed down and asked if they wanted a ride... they just looked at me in terror and said no... Later I figured out they probably thought I was kind of perverted... In retrospect I guess they did the right thing, after all I was just a "stranger" to them... So basically I've learned by now that I should not even try to approach younger women and try to help (or, God forbids, try to make conversation), because all I get are anxious panicky stares... 😒

MasterofNone · 26-30, M

Some might get annoyed but hell you can't expect things to be good every fucking time.
Even the greatest scientific procedures don't have a 100% accuracy/efficiency.
Unpleasant experiences will open your mind more (that might sound selfish but it's not much of a big deal)

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songwrxter · 26-30, F

@lockedupforgood: Yeah, I totally get what you're saying. Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to reach your true potential. You never know what you're capable of until you take the chance. I like how you said "even the greatest scientific procedures don't have 100% accuracy," because you're completely right. It's impossible for everyone to like talking to me.

Scooter · 22-25, M

You should. Take it from an extroverted introvert, many people will think random conversations are weird, but many of those people will be guity of doublethink. Although they may find it annoying, they'll likely still appreciate it. Even introverts get lonely.

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Scooter · 22-25, M

@songwrxter: It's more likely that you are making their day.

songwrxter · 26-30, F

@TheNudeBot: Awww😊 well then, that would be great.

Scooter · 22-25, M

@songwrxter: You're a good person, keep doing what you're doing ☺.

Raymuundo · 46-50, M

Yes you should continue that.

Selah ·

You seem sweet.

songwrxter · 26-30, F

@Selah: Thanks so much!! That's very kind of you to say.

updown2020 · 61-69, M

You should do whatever make you happy but always ask because you never know some people just like to eat alone and do not want to be bothered by anyone.

songwrxter · 26-30, F

@updown2020: Thanks for your opinion. Yeah, talking to other people makes me happy. I wouldn't do this if it made me miserable...there are just some days when I don't feel as confident in myself. But I'll try to do it every day next year.

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