A lost art?

I’m the type of person who likes to stop and ask for directions. I’m also the type of person who, though it is becoming socially awkward, will actually turn and make conversation with people, whom I don’t know, that are within my vicinity. Be it on public transportation, waiting in line, or just walking down the street, I like to talk. The art of random conversation, unfortunately, seems to be becoming a thing of the past. Is conversation actually becoming extinct?

Being a professional vagabond, part of my job duty includes figuring out how to have fun while spending as little money as possible. Sure, like any veteran wander, I enjoy nursing the cheapest item on a menu at restaurants, or sitting in parks, but I also like to be social.

While bars and other social venues offer some medium to random conversation, the ability to access the World Wide Web has threatened the natural habit of making random conversation (How I Met Your Mother is a great defender of this point!). My fear is that with the influx of new technology, both being inundated with ways to occupy ourselves, as well as with enough to news to make us afraid of pretty much everything, maybe the art of random conversation will truly disappear.

For those of us still going strong, and those who are ready to take the plunge into talking to strangers, there are a few sure fire ways to get a good response. First off, being nice and smiling is the best way to start a conversation. People are afraid of the unknown, and with enough creepers walking this earth, a cold-faced-hello isn’t going to make new friends.  

Also, playing hard to get doesn’t hurt either. We all know that life is a game, so instead of completely monopolizing a person’s free space and time, just wiggle a little bait in front of your soon to be best friend, and let them come to you. Open up the avenue for conversation, let them see you can also sit quietly, and bang! A conversation with a former stranger has begun.

Don’t let the art of conversation disappear. Take the time to unplug from yourself once a day and talk to someone new. I can promise you this, the time spent away from your own head won’t be wasted.  

Image courtesy of Eurocentres