I want to improve my social skills. I thought by way of stepping out of my comfort zone. So here’s what I thought:
Try and make conversation to a random person, location or occasion be damned, at least once per week. With saying more than two sentences be deemed sufficient. If the other person does not initially respond amicably (to the first sentence), I leave them alone.
I dunno, is this a good venue? People are there to shop, not to socialise. Most people will likely want to get on with their business and get back home.
I chat with people in checkout lines… not protracted conversations.
Interesting, chat about what? I’m in Denmark and it’s rare that anyone says anything to someone they don’t know in a shop, unless it’s the customary “hi” to the cashier. Where are you where this is more normal?
It’s normal here (Florida US) “wow that’s a big watermelon”. “Looks like you are having a party!” “Hey, I haven’t tried that, it’s good?”. Or just weather or OMG your baby is so cute, or whatever. General small talk.
I remember once a lady saw me buying a diet coke and asked “does that work?”
I think the US is sort of a middle ground on random conversations. Not super friendly but not aloof.
In my case it is usually about kids that are with me or with them.