It's crazy how we live in a world centered around communication, but when socializing is required for something other than getting our own personal satisfaction, we get scared. Everywhere I go, I notice this unwillingness to be the first to socialize.

For instance, just the other day when I was on the bus, I recognized someone from my geology class and I decided to compliment their backpack because I genuinely liked it. That person stared at me with so much surprise and caution for talking to them that I almost laughed aloud. Yet, their taken-back response made me feel embarrassed for even saying anything. I saw absolutely no eagerness to continue the conversation so we rode the rest of the way in silence. We clearly go to the same school, so why is it so weird for me to try and get to know you or be polite and try to make something out of this boring bus ride? People must think I have an ulterior motive.

I try not to let these awkward situations get to me, but they happen so frequently that it is impossible not to see a pattern. I would not say this is a generation thing for I witness this behavior in all ages. But, based on the institution or the circumstance we are in, it just seems even more odd to be hesitant to hold a conversation. Now, I understand some simply hate small talk or are shy, but it seems like common courtesy to respond in a semi-friendly manner.

Conversing with people, strangers specifically, is a life skill everyone should have. There is no room for social hesitation in the working world. I, having little fear in starting up a conversation with a stranger, use socializing as an opportunity to make networking connections and, of course, friends. I've struggled in this department within college classrooms due to people not feeling the need to introduce themselves or show proper edict when someone else does.

Once again, I realize there are risks to putting yourself out there, and while I cannot put myself in everyone else's shoes, I find it disrespectful to choose not to communicate in situations where it is necessary or mutually beneficial.

Overall, I simply find it sad that we cannot find comfort in the exchanged conversation of a stranger. We tend to almost be cynical when someone unexpectedly converses with us, and such attitudes need to stop. As a society, we should normalize stranger-to-stranger communication or at least encourage less cynical point of views through our day-to-day actions. How else are we to get better in verbal communication if we don't remind ourselves to take part in it? It can be as little as introducing yourself to someone on the bus or reaching out to an acquaintance you haven't chatted with in a while.

If I have learned anything, it is that practice makes perfect, and practice is the only method I used to become an effective communicator. It is not always an easy method, but the skill you'll eventually master is worth it in the long run.