19 Comments
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Tom Jaleski's avatar

Such an act of bravery for my introverted heart. Makes it simple enough I may actually try it next time, thanks.

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Sam William's avatar

Glad to hear that Tom. Thanks for reading🙏

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Aetherias Moon's avatar

This is why I comment on everyone's posts lol. I have met some cool people doing it. But that's seriously a wonderful way to go about life. Thank you for the post.

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Astrid Sadaya's avatar

Wow this literally happened to me just two days ago 😁 posted a note about it. It's really in those times when you feel a small voice to just do it, that it turns into something really special 💯

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Anjali Krishnakumar's avatar

Big yass to thiss! We often underestimate the power of a simple smile, and an easy helloo! This resonated huge with me, and I’ve shared a similar story on mine, titled “The timeless intimacy of strangers”! I felt we are sooo alike with our thoughts!! <3

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Sam William's avatar

So glad to hear that Anjali. Thanks for commenting. I’ll make sure to check out your story! :)

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Allie Canton's avatar

"I’m not there to win. I’m there to show up and have a new experience, and see what emerges."

I think this is the key -- some people are out there hoping for connection, and it's nice to have an invitation.

Excited to see this post and hear more!

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Sam William's avatar

Thanks Allie! I agree.

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Anne Lemmons's avatar

I enjoyed reading this. I am like minded and, like my

Mother, I never meet a stranger. I also kind of believe in “the six degrees of separation” and often find some connection. This interaction usually gives me joy and I hope it does them.

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Sam William's avatar

Glad to hear you enjoyed it :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Anne.

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Daniel Förster's avatar

Once I noticed that I'll neither die by asking nor accept being bored while human beings are around me - making connections was easy and fun, all of the time. ☺️🙏 Such underappreciated advice! Thank you.

- Thane

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Sam William's avatar

Thats a great perspective. Thanks for sharing Thane 🙏

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Atia - your German Teacher's avatar

I just read and loved this post about talking to strangers. I had literally heard this advice in a podcast - the happiness lab. I was sitting in a plane when I listened to that episode and I took out my headphones and started talking to the person next to me. Best flight experience I had, time flew by!

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Atia - your German Teacher's avatar

I just read and loved this post about talking to strangers. I had literally heard this advice in a podcast - the happiness lab. I was sitting in a plane when I listened to that episode and I took out my headphones and started talking to the person next to me. Best flight experience I had, time flew by!

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Lala Leung's avatar

Love this story! The times I thanked myself for reaching out is probably as much as the times I regretted not doing so. It's still difficult for me but I'm getting better at it, one interaction at a time.

Thanks for sharing your story, Sam :)

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Benthall Adventures's avatar

This is so Nigel. He chats, connects, ends up with a dinner invite. Meanwhile I’m speed-walking past, hoping not to bother anyone with my American accent.

It’s out of my comfort zone, but I’m starting to see how much I miss when I stay quiet. Thanks for the spark — I needed the reminder.

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Brooke Zoller's avatar

Yes!! I am doing this more and enjoying the interactions! I often write about those interactions here too! Samuel, I think you’d (and others) enjoy my post on “Do Talk to Strangers” and I’ll link another one here if I may: https://open.substack.com/pub/brookezoller/p/the-people-that-you-meet?r=54uqv3&utm_medium=ios

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Stuart K Kimball's avatar

It probably started with a conversation’

Great reminder to just say hi

Thanks for sharing

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