I hear so many people my age say things like "well, I hate everyone" or "honestly, people just suck" and other negative things about other people, generalizing all people into a single category. However, I think our generation should start to love people. For me, I love getting to know people and saying hi to the lady passing me on the sidewalk. I love chatting with the teenager checking me out the grocery store or the man putting in new mulch for the neighbors. People have so many stories to share, lessons to teach, and joy to bring.
I realize that some people aren't as outgoing as I am, so striking up a conversation with a stranger is a terrifying thought, but I feel like so many young adults in this day and age would rather talk to someone on the internet than invest in the people they encounter on a daily basis. See, the problem with this is that you miss out on numerous conversations and potential relationships. The other day I went to a local pawn shop, trying to see if I could get any money for some old jewelry, and the woman working there seemed really shy and quiet. Despite that, I started asking her questions about her love for jewelry. She told me how to tell the difference between precious and non-precious jewelry and how to know if a Michael Kors watch was real or fake. She told me so many fun facts about jewelry and with this conversation came lots of laughs and insight into a topic I had no history with. By simply striking up a conversation with this lady, I was able to learn more about jewelry in 20 minutes than I had in my whole life.
People are awesome. Everyone you see has some sort of story to tell, facts to share, or jokes to say, so take advantage of this. Take advantage of being on an earth with millions of other people who you have the ability to get to know. Don't get me wrong, every once in awhile you'll come across someone who has no desire to answer your questions or engage in conversation, but more times than not, reaching out to someone you don't know will bring you something great.
Striking up a random conversation isn't easy, but it's worth it. I know that I don't take advantage of every opportunity I have to get to know someone, so I am not only challenging you, but myself as well. Talk to the lady standing next to you in the restroom, or the young boy pushing carts outside, let people know that you are genuine and caring. Be inviting, be kind, and pour into people. Who knows, maybe starting a conversation with the teller at the bank or the McDonald's drive-thru worker will make their whole day, and leave you with a new perspective or better understanding of the world you live in.
