Opportunities for growth exist in every interaction... right? Typically, I’m not one to start conversations with strangers. I’m definitely more of an introvert and not particularly fond of initiating conversations or talking to random people for that matter.

Today I had quite the interaction at a local coffee shop, and I don’t quite know what to think of it.

There I was typing away on my computer, searching for inspiration when inspiration walked up to me. I was startled out of my work as someone asked if they could sit at the table where I was working. After a quick bit of internal hesitation, I conceded considering the sparsity of seating options.

At first, the person was rather quiet and unobtrusive. Which by all means I prefer, as I'm more of a concealer when it comes to myself. I thought via my headphones in, head down working, I was giving off some pretty clear body language of “I’m busy don’t talk to me” I guess the signals weren’t as strong as I thought though...

After a few attempts on his part and some shorter answers on mine, (y’all, I was being nice but I really needed to work and the interaction seemed rather strange) I stopped working and chatted with him for a bit It turned out he was a foreign exchange student from Asia.

We ended up chatting on and off for a little bit and I learned some interesting facts about where he was from. I then got an invitation to go visit and he’d show me around?? Following that up he mentioned multiple "taller" guys he knew that wanted to stay in the states...?

Like I said, not really sure what I think of the interaction yet... Basically, moral of the story is you never know what you may get out of an interaction, some cool facts about a place or even a personal tour guide/opportunity to become a green card wife? Ha.

Just make sure not to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation while talking to someone. If you feel massively weird or unsafe then leave. I was in a super public place and through the interaction was hecka awkward it wasn't dangerous.

People are all so interesting and unique. Be open to new people because if nothing else you’ll get a funny story to tell out of it!