Talking to strangers, like, on purpose and everything
March 23rd, 2010

I forced myself to go to the grocery store, because, I needed to stop eating Girl Scout cookies for supper and trail mix for breakfast. Yeah, I’ve definitely done better at taking care of myself, but I’m really glad I went when I did. As I was leaving I saw a group of people over by a VW Bus painted with a star map. They had a telescope set up in the next space. Previously I would have taken note of the oddity of the sight and left, but now, I’m looking for opportunities to test my comfort zone.

Star Gazing Strangers

You never know who you'll meet.

After I loaded the groceries into the car, I walked over and asked if they were traveling around star gazing. Turns out the guy who owns the bus is visiting his mother in Dallas and had recently driven in from British Columbia and astronomy is his passion. We talked a little about the neighborhood and they showed me planets and stars, and the gorgeous detail on the visible sliver of the moon, which held an orange cast. (Anyone else find it slightly disturbing that pollution can be so pretty?)

Another guy showed up and I learned that they had all gone to school together not far from where we were. People came and went, and I found out that this was not the first time he had come into town and shared his knowledge and passion with strangers in a parking lot. So, I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe this whole talking to strangers thing isn’t as awful as I originally thought.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 am and is filed under Connecting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • http://CouchSurfingOri.com CouchSurfingOri

    That’s frigging awesome! So, not only did you get to overcome shyness (priceless), but you got to meet some awesome new people, learn about astronomy, and get a free view of the universe!

    The way I see it, pretty soon, you’re gonna be this social-butterfly, and people are gonna say “But Kathryn, what do you know about being shy? I mean, you’re always going up to strangers…. you don’t know what it’s like, having your throat dry up, and forgetting your own name when introducing yourself….”

    Seriously– great job! Great writing style too.

  • Kathryn

    Ori, Thank you, tons and bunches. These little stretches from my comfort zone help, and your encouragement means a lot. I’m pretty sure I’ll always feel shy, but I’m done letting it make my decisions for me. But really, that was your point wasn’t it? ;)

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Kick ASS! I love talking to strangers!

  • http://thesocialcaterpillar.com/ Kathryn Hunter

    Catherine, I totally believe that. I really need to do more of it. Freaks me out to no end, and even so, I've met really wonderful people when I've done it. So, head first and diving back in. :)

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Anyone who has that much of a clear loud-and-proud identity almost certainly want to talk about it. They're a great place to start. :)

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