https://m.khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/its-a-strange-world-thanks-to-the-people-we-meet
Talking to strangers can make you happy.
Our very lives depend on the ethics of strangers, and most of us are always strangers to other people.
– Bill Moyers
Have we become strangers in this world of technology and gadgets? But don’t we get ample time to be online and stay connected with the virtual world through the internet? Does that mean we have no time for the real world?
When was the last time we observed ourselves? When was the last time you smiled at a stranger or received a smile in return? I am sure this is a simple question yet difficult one to answer as most of the time, we have our heads bow down, glued to our mobile screens.
When we were young, my parents would tell us, ‘Don’t talk to strangers! And that worked well for us. Our minds were young, which means we were not old enough to be discerning. We were not able to decide if a stranger was good or bad. But as we grew, the situation changed. We are not able to comprehend what is good and evil.
The importance, rather the comfort of the human touch, seems to vanish day by day. People have, in fact, started to feel safe by not connecting with the real world. Instead, they feel safe and secure being away from all the unnecessary fuss and emotional distractions. But have we felt the need to talk to strangers? Haven’t we thought about the benefits we can get out of talking to strangers?
Anything is possible in life. A stranger you meet can become your lifeline with the passing years. In the same vein, the person most close to you can become a stranger in a matter of seconds. Life has become unpredictable. Surprisingly, you might meet someone again at the crossroad of life, and you might again continue the beautiful journey of your life together. The never-ending road of life will take you towards your destination of happiness and fill you up with all confidence and courage required to face any adversities and difficulties.
It’s time we changed our attitude towards strangers. Yes, we live in dangerous times, but not all strangers we meet are hazardous. Of course, we need to be suspicious, but we should also be trusting. The whole world is not our enemy.
Let’s start by changing ourselves. Each individual can connect with people, allowing us the human experiences that are enriching experiences. From the morning, we get numerous chances to meet and greet strangers. It could be a taxi driver, a salesperson at a mall, fellow passengers at airports, lounges, railway stations and the bus stand. Of course, interaction depends on people’s personalities. It might be challenging to talk to strangers if you are an introvert. At the same time, if the other person is an extrovert, communication becomes quicker. Such communications are also a great way to socialise and build networks. It is also interesting to see the world through another person’s eyes.
The world out there is for us to explore. So, try to see it from a different perspective. Talking to strangers and discussing various topics helps boost our confidence and makes us feel self-motivated. It also helps improve our communication skills. Yes, the world is full of strangers, which makes it so interesting.
Lamiya Siraj: Stories & Beyond 
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