When I decided I wanted to start practicing socializing with strangers my brain tried to come up with all sorts of bullshit excuses to get me to avoid talking to people in public:
- I don’t want to disturb them.
- They’re busy.
- I don’t want to intrude.
If you saw a hungry man on the street and gave him food would you feel like an intrusion? Would you feel guilty for bothering him?
What if he told you he didn’t want it would you feel bad or assume it was just him?
Socializing is the exact same way.
Unless someone was wearing headphones, actively engaging in a conversation, or urgently walking somewhere I reminded myself:
LONELINESS IS A PANDEMIC.
WHEN YOU TRY TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS YOU’RE GIVING STRANGERS THE EQUIVALENT OF A STARVING MAN FOOD.
If they reject you, maybe they’re going through a divorce, maybe they’re withdrawaling from alcohol or maybe just maybe sometimes people are just assholes and that's not who you want to interact with anyways.
Point being?
When you try to end your Loneliness you also end the loneliness of others.
It’s not illegal to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
If you see someone you want to talk to.
Just go up and talk to them.
If they shoo you off or find an excuse to leave assume their excuse and go find someone who enjoys your company rather than tolerates it.