When does a stranger stop being a stranger? Bonus question - Do you have a stranger story?
April 30, 2025 | Sparkle Wednesday
A couple of weeks ago, I listened to an episode of the Hidden Brain podcast that’s really stayed with me. It explored the surprising power of small, everyday interactions—and how these seemingly casual and nonessential moments can have a meaningful impact on our happiness and overall wellbeing. If you haven’t listened to that episode, I highly recommend it!
It got me reflecting on the small interactions that weave through my own days—the grocery store cashier (one reason I usually opt out of self-checkout), the familiar face I pass on my morning walks, (I imagine where she’s going) the hardware store employee who helps me find exactly the right screw, or the mushroom guy at the farmer’s market.
When does a stranger stop being a stranger? For me, it’s as simple as a shared moment—a few words exchanged, a bit of conversation. That’s when the shift happens.
A few months ago, David and I were out walking in our neighborhood when we noticed a couple working in their yard—people we hadn’t seen before. David mentioned that he used to spend a lot of time in that very house as a teenager because a close friend had lived there. That sparked a conversation, we exchanged numbers, and a couple of months later—much to our surprise—they showed up at our gig at The Troubadour. Wow!
What about you? When does a stranger stop being a stranger? Do you have a stranger story?
Whenever the small talk barrier is passed... that's the moment. For some people it can happen right away. For instance, last summer I was washing my hands at a concert and some guy looked at me and asked, "What are you thinking about right now?" A simple question but not a very common one. I loved this question. It led to us talking for an hour, exchanging Spotify playlists, and hanging out the next week at a bonfire in his backyard! I now call Aaron a friend and, not long ago, he was a complete stranger!
p.s. I have since asked other strangers this question and it can be hit or miss. BUT! When it hits and you find the right person, it can lead to some fun conversations :)
I try to make connections when I'm doing everyday things. When does a stranger stop being a stranger..We recently had our roof replaced. There was a crew of about 8 guys and 1 woman who were working from dawn to dusk to get our project completed. None of them were English speakers, which if you've had a roof replaced in the past few years, you will know that this is the norm. Little aside- our crew was fantastic, hard working, and just pretty great. We communicated at first with smiles and waves but one day they were eating the lunches they had brought from home- they even had a little microwave set up to heat their food. One guy spoke a little English and I asked him if he had a family. He nodded- I took out my phone and showed him a picture of my new grand babies. He then took a picture of a little girl and boy out of his wallet. A couple other guys got out pictures of their families. We connected without really saying much. There was a new familiarity after this little connection. I guess I would say no longer strangers. Thanks for this question. It's a good one.