Nod, Smile, Move on

I avoid random encounters with strangers as much as possible. If one happens I use the approach outlined in the title. When I was younger there was the ‘nutter on the bus’ fear. That was where the person who was most likely to talk to you was the one you were well advised to avoid! They were people who were often lonely, but sometimes they were unsettling and you would get off the bus early in order to avoid the encounter. This has been the basis of my approach ever since. I can’t imagine wanting to talk to someone I don’t know and I don’t want someone I don’t know talking to me.

I am sure many people will say that I am missing out by taking this approach to life, and I may very well be doing so. However, I am not going to change now as my avoidance tactic has ensured that my life is easier and more predictable. Remember, a stranger is someone who you probably wouldn’t choose to talk to in normal situations. I will always be polite but I will definitely not encourage any interaction.