Great Western Coffee Shop

All across the Great Western territory => Introductions and chat => Topic started by: grahame on June 12, 2019, 08:13:23



Title: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: grahame on June 12, 2019, 08:13:23
From the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-48459940)

Quote
Most people spend part of every day surrounded by strangers, whether on their daily commute, sitting in a park or cafe, or visiting the supermarket.

Yet many of us remain in self-imposed isolation, believing that reaching out to a stranger would make you both feel uncomfortable.

These beliefs may be unwarranted. In fact, our research suggests we may often underestimate the positive impact of connecting with others for both our own and others' wellbeing.

For example, having a conversation with a stranger on your way to work may leave you both feeling happier than you would think.


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: TonyK on June 12, 2019, 21:38:26
From the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-48459940)

Quote
Most people spend part of every day surrounded by strangers, whether on their daily commute, sitting in a park or cafe, or visiting the supermarket.

Yet many of us remain in self-imposed isolation, believing that reaching out to a stranger would make you both feel uncomfortable.

These beliefs may be unwarranted. In fact, our research suggests we may often underestimate the positive impact of connecting with others for both our own and others' wellbeing.

For example, having a conversation with a stranger on your way to work may leave you both feeling happier than you would think.

Yes.


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: LiskeardRich on June 12, 2019, 21:42:46
I know of several seniors who catch the bus with their passes, and just yap to whoever sits near them. It’s almost like a social service for lonely elderly as well as a bus


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: GBM on June 13, 2019, 05:52:46
I know of several seniors who catch the bus with their passes, and just yap to whoever sits near them. It’s almost like a social service for lonely elderly as well as a bus
Or the driver if they are near the front.
Suddenly the driver acquires a best friend having had a peaceful run so far, and was hoping for a peaceful end!


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: Phantom on June 13, 2019, 10:44:08
As a daily rail commuter I have come to get to know many people from random chatting on a train.
If nothing else it saves having to read that god awful Metro paper in the morning


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: Sixty3Closure on June 22, 2019, 22:46:33
I've got to know a few people on my commute although it was several years before we progressed to nodding and a bit more before we actually spoke despite standing in the same spot all this time. The ice was broken by a spate of bad service from GWR and my fellows travellers amusement of how quickly I gave up, left the platform and worked from home.


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 23, 2019, 12:10:12
Quote from: Phantom link
If nothing else it saves having to read that god awful Metro paper in the morning

There's always the option of looking out of the window, even if on a daily commute you could virtually sign route knowledge :)


Title: Re: Chatting with strangers on your journey to work
Post by: Surrey 455 on June 23, 2019, 19:03:19
Quote from: Phantom link
If nothing else it saves having to read that god awful Metro paper in the morning

There's always the option of looking out of the window, even if on a daily commute you could virtually sign route knowledge :)

Or have a quick nap. I often do. There is of course the possibility of missing your stop but it's been a long time since I last did that.



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