Stranger

     Today I was given a shopping cart by a man in the Super Store parking lot. I already had a loonie coin clutched in my hand. It’s one of the negatives of shopping there; you always have to have a dollar to get a cart, which is not always convenient but there you go. I tried to give him my coin and he refused. He indicated that he had been given the cart and it was now mine. It was a pleasant exchange and I did my shopping feeling a bit more upbeat. With the price of food, shopping is never fun, right? After my shopping was done I saw a woman parked near my car who was heading for the carts. I stopped her and indicated that she could have mine. She tried to give me her loonie and I told her that I didn’t want it—- I had been given the cart by someone else. She gave me a big smile and expressed gratitude and surprise at the chain of events. It occurred to me then that I was a link in that chain. 

     All this is building up to the fact that the last week in November is National Talk to a Stranger week. (Is it just me or is it bizarre that we have to be encouraged to do the simplest of acts--- saying "hi" to someone we don't know?) According to the website, Talk To A Stranger Week is "an opportunity to build a sense of connection and community many need in a post-pandemic world. It is seizing the opportunity that many of us have each day to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others by simply saying hello, smiling or striking up a conversation with a stranger." 

     I know that I am old and in the way but I regularly talk to strangers especially when I am walking the dogs and 99% of the time I am glad I did. As I am an introvert it is not always easy but I endorse this practice absolutely! My small experience at the grocery store is just one of the many that I have every week. I'm sure that you have them too--- unexpected interactions that leave you feeling more human, more humble and a tiny bit happier. If not, try it! I guarantee that most folks will say "hi" back. If not, their dogs will!