Waiting in line to pay, a kid was trying to give me or show me his action figure...

I hate when little kids stare at me and try to get my attention. I never know what to do.

And when the parent starts smiling, I know I am supposed to interact but then it becomes awkward because I don't know if I am supposed to get into a full conversation, just smile back, or say something adult-like to the kid. There are so many options, and none are really good ones.

It would be better if the kid just stayed in his/her own lane.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

Young children are completely free from adult hangups about social interaction and they are exploring the world and who to trust and not. I am cautious of interacting with youngsters when I'm on my own, but if the parent is happy, I will give a smile and perhaps an appropriate inane comment. I hate to think of them growing up fearful of everyone.

I wonder if we all 'stayed in out own lane' on here if anyone would actually engage with anyone else? Many of those blocking simply on political and religious grounds want to do that, I feel.