Strangers talking
 

Are you uncomfortable and even annoyed whenever a complete stranger talks to you about mindless and pointless things? The things they usually talk about are: their whole life story (old strangers are the most guilty of this), mundane things like what brand of toothpaste they use, some type of preaching, or them asking you about YOUR life story. With an exception of the last example, the conversation is usually in monologue. They usually do not pick up that you are uninterested.

Is it just me and I'm being really anti-social?

I dont think that it's just you, though it may also depend a little on the circumstances. Not wanting to hear someone's life story does not make you anti-social in my book.

i come from a really friendly town where people do that a lot. i'm not terribly annoyed by it. it's a passing pleasantry. i'll try and remember to say something more interesting next time, though.

Wal-Greens checkout line

them: "Gollyyyy, it sho is cold out theya."

me: "Yeah, it makes you really appreciate sex, though."

there is a guy that works on or is in charge of vending machines inteh surgery waiting area where i work at the hospital. He alwayas comes by the desk to tell me and the ladies i work with what the problems are and all that stuff. None of us know really why he's so into that job or why he feels the need to tell us everything. While we dont really care to hear it, we listen to him because we think he is lonely and just wants someone to talk to (he's unmarried, middle-aged and lives alone). Being that I've been lonely in my day and only wanting someone to talk to, I'll gladly listen. Most people that tell you their life stories are looking for the same. You dont have to like it, or even listen intently, but try to listen enough. Little things like that can mean so much to so many people.

Sorry for the rant, and I dont mean to offend anyone by disagreeing.

When that happens, I figure that the person must be telling ME because he/she has no one else to tell it to. I just listen. What's a few minutes out of my life compared to possibly hurting a lonely person's feelings.

NOTE: This does not include "Nevins Street Nancy" who used to get on a few subway stops after me every morning and evangelize at the top of her voice. I ignored her because she gave me a headache.

I hate this too---- most of the time it is in Walmart. It never fails to be a stranger with fangled up teeth, that needs to bathe!!!
I don't think you are being anti-social.

I was in Walmart tonight, in line, and a guy came up behind me and squeezes my shoulder and says "honey can i go in front of you-- i only have a few items and i am paying cash"-- i looked at the guy, thinking i would have let you but you touched me and called me honey.... he was a creepy stranger that wouldn't quit holding onto my shoulder. I told him I was in a hurry too, was paying cash, and only had 3 items. He stomped off!! Creepy old man!!


-wendi

this is why i hate asking customers 'how are you doing?' they think it is an essay question. i heard one 60 year old guy (a stranger)tell my manager that we was excited for this weekend cause he gets to have sex with his wife. :eek:

LOL!!

To the original poster: No you're not being anti-social.

I have to agree with Bethany about it being circumstantial. Has anyone ever noticed that it's sometimes it's easier to talk to a complete stranger about a dilemma u might be having because their opinion isn't biased? But there are some people who just have the desire to talk and talk when the need arises. IT's only when I'm not interested in hearing their life story or something or just that I'm not interested period when I get annoyed.

You guys are way too harsh! (Or maybe from the NORTH!:p ;) )

I can talk to anybody and often do. Creepy and friendly are two different things. Certainly not personal details, but silly stuff. It's not unusual to get the whole line laughing and chatting- (Albertsons, Kroger, Wal Mart) It sure is a lot better than scanning the headlines like,
Michael Jackson Has Sex With Prepubescent Alien.

Maybe I can spot people who are open or those lonely souls who need some human contact. It just seems like such a small thing if you can make someone smile.

However, I have been "creeped" out by some people and have taken a longer line rather than share space with a person who gives me the willies.:eek:

Haha that may not be far from the truth. When I visited Louisiana and Mississippi weekend before last, I notice how many people said hi to me! People who I didn't even know. Where I'm from, you'll be lucky if someone greets you even if you do know them. I felt welcomed down there.

In my neighborhood, everyone waves as you drive by.

In my town, most people strike up idle chit chat with strangers while waiting in long lines.

I don't have a problem with idle chit chat. It's when they start getting really nosey or tell me too much information. I guess it's just something that I was raised around, so it seems normal.

Now, my dad is one of those people who will tell way too much information. He loves to talk about his kids, but everyone doesn't need to know what my sister and I do for a living, where we live, etc.

Well, for one, you're not being anti-social. :)

Up here, well, it's pretty friendly. When I worked for a pharmacy I chit-chatted to A LOT of people :) Sometime it was a chore but sometimes it was great.

During my first week at work a woman came in 5 minutes til close. Well, apparently she and her husband was having "communication" problems, well, we talked and chitchatted and I listened and gave her my advice. She had just gotten married and moved to a brand new city, so she was just feeling very lonely. After we talked she thanked me for "just listening" and she later left. A month later she came in to tell me thanks for her decison not to end her new marriage.

So, all in all, I like to talk to strangers, you never know what you may with them or visa versa :D

So so true! :) I grew up in a tiny tiny town in Northern Florida, where everyone knows everyone else, and everyone loves to talk!

I'm also a plane-talker. I'll have idle chitchat with someone while the plane is taking off, while drinks are being served, etc. 9 times out of 10, we'll have something in common.

Hooooow Yooooooou Doooin!:)

Well actually none of Your Friggin Business, I have had a S**tty Day.:p

Please give me your damn change for the sale that I am trying to ring up and hit The Damn Door!:mad: