It’s an early train ride and the only thing I ever really look forward to is the sun glow over the water as it rises into the day. Aside from that, I’d prefer to listen to my playlist or work on any upcoming reading assignments. The train is typically very crowded with routine commuters and it’s very rare that you get to sit alone for the entire ride. Although I am very approachable and talkative, I prefer to stay to myself until I have fully woken up. I notice the same in others, but for the past couple of weeks I decided to try something different and talk to the person sitting next to me. In a culture where we are brought up to stay away strangers, it might be time to restructure this idea and approach things differently. We’re constantly sharing and reposting on the internet. The least we can do is connect with others face to face while enriching our own daily interactions. The best part about it? It all starts with a simple “hello.”

I boarded the train and sat next to someone, nothing new here. Whether you are a seasoned commuter or not, you might have noticed that the furthest a conversation will reach is, “Can I sit here?” This has also puzzled me because this is a public form of transportation. You don’t need anyones permission or approval. Just take the damn seat and say hello. If the conversation is meant to be, then it will just pick up from there.

I’ve had the opportunity to chat with a lot of interesting people including students like me, stressed out parents, and those who are new to the area. We all have something to share and I find that these little encounters always tend to brighten up my morning. There’s this idea that people have their own agendas or want something in return, but I promise that is not the case. I think those things are only true if you play the victim and allow them to be. Shift your attitude and things will change. Along with enriched interactions, people have offered concert tickets they can no longer use and advice on different career opportunities. Each interaction varies, but you will always have the experience to take with you along with any conversational treats you might be able to offer.

This also has more to do with yourself. You’ll learn things about yourself that you never even knew and that can take you far.

Socialization has been proven in aiding our evolutionary progression and success. Although we are advanced in many ways, socializing with others outside of our own networks will open you up to a different and bigger picture.

This all goes to show that whether we might be stuck in our own routine or too afraid, there are many benefits that come from talking to a stranger. I also find that we are more willing to open up to someone who isn’t invested in our lives for fear of judgement or approval. Next time you take the train or are waiting in line, look over and start with a simple “hello.” It feels extremely rewarding. We are humans! We were built for this.