Starting conversations with strangers

returnNull · 01-10-2013 03:48PM

Seachmall wrote: »

I was in Dublin the other day for the All Ireland replay and it seemed everywhere I went a conversation would start with strangers as a result of me wearing the Clare jersey and it got me thinking; how do most folk go about striking up chat with randomers when there isn't such an obvious topic of conversation?

I'm generally half-cut when I'm having the banter with folk I don't know and it usually starts with me asking about some TV show or looking for a general opinion but I've seen people walk up to others and just jump straight into a story, and then there's the more traditional "Hi, I'm David..." introductions.

I'm not talking about the conversations you naturally fall into, but instead when you're out and must make a conscious effort to mingle (at a wedding or business thing for example).

I'm assuming it varies with age, people over 30 seem more comfortable with the direct introductions yet people in their early twenties seem to take a different approach.

So, AH, how do you go about making friends?

Thinly veiled "I need help making friends" thread.

Up the banner!!

returnNull · 01-10-2013 03:49PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Janey mackers, has noone ever heard the phrase "chin up, tits out" before?

I think you only hear that around xmas whoopsy :pac:

Amirani · 01-10-2013 03:51PM

I used to be terrible at this when I was younger but I've gotten a lot better at it, largely by necessity when travelling alone.

old hippy · 01-10-2013 04:48PM

Santa Cruz wrote: »

Women love when you pay them a compliment. You know, something like
"for such a fat girl you don't sweat much"

That line's so old it's rusted.

krudler · 01-10-2013 04:53PM

seenitall wrote: »

One of the best things about Ireland is that when you walk into an old man's pub by yourself, you are guaranteed not to be left to your own devices for very long.

I love it, that genuine interest and friendliness and initiative in people here. Not many other places like that in Europe.

I hate that tbh, best thing about big cities is the sense of anonymity, everyone just leaves you alone. rural places are all about people knowing everyone else's business.

old hippy · 01-10-2013 04:56PM

krudler wrote: »

I hate that tbh, best thing about big cities is the sense of anonymity, everyone just leaves you alone. rural places are all about people knowing everyone else's business.

Yes and no. In London, at any rate, it's sometimes like a whole bunch of towns and villages all stuck together. Sometimes too many people can know your business like back home

:eek:

Fox_In_Socks · 01-10-2013 04:59PM

krudler wrote: »

I hate that tbh, best thing about big cities is the sense of anonymity, everyone just leaves you alone. rural places are all about people knowing everyone else's business.

Oh Jesus, the krudlers were always that way! Quare out!:D

krudler · 01-10-2013 05:04PM

old hippy wrote: »

Yes and no. In London, at any rate, it's sometimes like a whole bunch of towns and villages all stuck together. Sometimes too many people can know your business like back home :eek:

Like i've been in places abroad and people are pretty friendly but don't impose themselves on you like Irish people seem to. Ages ago I was waiting for someone in a pub in a small town and this oul fella sitting a good 10 feet away from me just goes "are you a local man yourself?!" I genuinely didn't realise he was talking to me as he was so far away. I'd say it was the kind of place that a different reg car parked in the village would be mentioned in the parish newsletter.

old hippy · 01-10-2013 05:13PM

krudler wrote: »

Like i've been in places abroad and people are pretty friendly but don't impose themselves on you like Irish people seem to. Ages ago I was waiting for someone in a pub in a small town and this oul fella sitting a good 10 feet away from me just goes "are you a local man yourself?!" I genuinely didn't realise he was talking to me as he was so far away. I'd say it was the kind of place that a different reg car parked in the village would be mentioned in the parish newsletter.

Sometimes it's genuine curiosity and no ill intent meant but yeah, I know what you mean. I spent a week in a well known town out West (back in the 80s) and I swear, after a few days I'd have complete strangers saying to me "there's yer man with the red shoes"

krudler · 01-10-2013 05:21PM

old hippy wrote: »

Sometimes it's genuine curiosity and no ill intent meant but yeah, I know what you mean. I spent a week in a well known town out West (back in the 80s) and I swear, after a few days I'd have complete strangers saying to me "there's yer man with the red shoes"

Oh yeah I get that, but I just leave people alone, some people seem to have an inability to be quiet around others and leave them alone, buses, doctors offices, pubs, wherever. the "cheer up it'll never happen" brigade.

old hippy · 01-10-2013 05:25PM

krudler wrote: »

Oh yeah I get that, but I just leave people alone, some people seem to have an inability to be quiet around others and leave them alone, buses, doctors offices, pubs, wherever. the "cheer up it'll never happen" brigade.

First time I came back to Dublin, 2 years after leaving, was sat in Kehoe's and these 2 guys were sat opposite me. I'd never laid eyes on them before. One of them gives me a big grin and says in a cheesy fake Laaahndaaahn accent "awiiight, mate". Bizarre! It's not like I'd suddenly adopted pearly kings and queens attire!

Muise... · 01-10-2013 05:27PM

krudler wrote: »

Oh yeah I get that, but I just leave people alone, some people seem to have an inability to be quiet around others and leave them alone, buses, doctors offices, pubs, wherever. the "cheer up it'll never happen" brigade.

correct response: "well it's certainly never going to happen with you."

01-10-2013 05:29PM

krudler wrote: »

the "cheer up it'll never happen" brigade.

This is, without doubt, one of the most irritating phrases ever to be uttered by anyone, anywhere.

krudler · 01-10-2013 05:44PM

Deleted User wrote: »

This is, without doubt, one of the most irritating phrases ever to be uttered by anyone, anywhere.

Isn't it, only way to stop people in their tracks is tell them something horrendous has just happened you. The looks on their faces soothes me to sleep at night.

PhlegmyMoses · 01-10-2013 05:55PM

I just drive up to the question mark on the map and see what happens from there.

kiffer · 01-10-2013 05:55PM

1. Strangers are the enemy.
2. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
3. I find that what works best is to find something that just happened and hope they respond.
Bus late? "Do you know when the bus is due?" ... "oh thanks, these leap cards are great".
Guy just ran into the room and said "Wham are reforming!" Ask the person next to you if they know what the hell is going on.
Person beside you is reading a book? Shut the fudge nuckle up and say nothing. Seriously, Eff You stranger...

Whatcha reading...?
Oh it's [Book Tiltle] by [Author] *goes back to reading...
Is it any good?
... I'm enjoying it. *goes back to reading...
What's it about?
... well you've ruined the flow of a good bit so I guess I'm forced to talk to you... you *sshole.

krudler · 01-10-2013 05:57PM

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

I just drive up to the question mark on the map and see what happens from there.

I get references.

salacious crumb · 02-10-2013 09:26AM

krudler wrote: »

. the "cheer up it'll never happen" brigade.

I always tell them it already has. That shuts them up right sharp.

Starting conversations with strangers

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