Talking to strangers

Remember when the thing was "don't talk to strangers!" I do.

But i find this to be very ill given advise. I find talking to strangers to be enlightening.


Tonight I sat down at a picnic table and talked to a swiss born, (English mom German dad), psychologist, he is married to a Mexican woman who is finishing up her degree in architecture. They have a 6 month old child.

I caught myself talking to him about everything. He was saying how long distance is hard and then mentioned his wife. I brought up Matt.

Then he asked me about Matt- we talked about Matt. He asked me if he liked children. I said, yes, he likes children more than I do, I think. We talked about how his wife takes possession over their child and how he'd like to have more of a roll in raising their child but he's trying to broach the subject delicately.

I told him about my disappointments with work, my carreer, and my choices. I don't him I'd rather be working outside.

We talked about high heels... and I told him that I left my heels by a garbage can on my walk home yesterday... and I walked down the sidewalk with bare feet... and how it was the most liberating part of my day.

I told him about wanting a puppy.


We talked about how he watches people-- and doesn't want to work while watching-- since he is a pychologist.. and then he pointed out people. A man that cut in line and then got caught.


I talk to strangers. Mainly because I can tell them anything without judgment. I can tell them exactly what is on my heart without judgment.

I told him about past relationships and taking people for granted.

We talked about how when you take time to paint, you notice the little things. Like the light and how it hits someone's face. Or the shape of a leaf, smooth or jagged. We talked about food. He is a vegetarian too.

We talked about values-- and if you are too rigid with them how you sometimes miss out on relationships that are more meaningful than some rule you set up for yourself.

We talked about faith. I told him my stance. Things I believed and didn't. So did he tell me his beliefs. He is Catholic because his wife is... and he sees importance in being grounded in something-- even if you don't believe all of it with your whole heart.

I told him about my disappointment with people from my church. I told him how I just judge them for judging me, but how it makes me feel lonely. I told him that there is so much I want to tell them.


We talked about chain stores, make-up, dressing up, fixing up, God, Yoga and music.


Then, we were done talking and he said, "what do you think my name is? I think your name is caroline."

I said he was a Jaacob.

We were both wrong.


I say, if it makes you feel right-- talk to strangers... and by all means, tell them everything you feel like-- because last I checked, that's ok.