The Timeless Intimacy of Strangers.

The world is a much kinder place than we assume it is.

Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

“In the face of adversity, a stranger can become an unexpected ally.”— Anne Perry

Back then, we were always raised not to talk with strangers. Not to accept candy or things from someone we never knew before. We live in a giant bubble with countless people bumping into each other. Most of them, we never know.

Today, we rush past each other with our attention glued to screens. Eyes fixed on the screen lost in thoughts and what-ifs, we miss many chances for a brief connection. We are all reluctant to talk. We seldom make a point to extend a simple smile to the person beside us. An easy hello. A gracious thanks. Or an honest compliment.

Have you ever wondered how many lives could change from a brief encounter with a stranger?

Beneath every person lives their story, their share of life experiences, and their histories. We will never know how a simple glance or word can alter lives.

Travelling always urged me to talk with people, and it changed the way I look at the world now. The genuineness of strangers has made my world better and happier. It has restored my faith in humanity and forced me to come out of my cocoon and start conversations. All these acts of kindness, gratification, appreciation, and conversations encompass me today.

When I met with an accident in a new city, this man came up, helped me from the road, and reassured me for minutes till I was okay. I recall how thoughtful he was when he said, “You don’t have to hold back your tears. It’s okay to cry. It doesn’t make you seem weak, but braver,” offering his hanky. All when he was late to work and had repeated calls incoming. I’ve never forgotten him and the kindness he offered.

Kindness knows no language or boundary. Smile at that person next to you, and ask them about their day. Don’t let fear of ‘what if’ stop you from making a connection. You never know whom or how you will make a difference, and vice versa.
I cherish a lot of people for the compassion they have shown me in my vulnerability.

• The lady who paid my ticket when I was short on change.

• The bus conductor who asked if I was okay when I grimaced in pain.

• The truck driver who dropped me at a safer stop from a deserted area at night.

• The guy who waited with me until my bus showed up insisting it was an unsafe area.

• Strangers who helped me kickstart my bike countless times during my learning days.

• A gang who extended help when I was stuck without fuel and phone charge in a remote village at dusk.

The world is a much kinder place than we assume it is.

Talk to that stranger today. Shout out compliments. Extend an apology. Help someone. Start conversations.

Maybe you will have a conversation to remember or meet someone to hold close. You’ll never know unless you take the chance!

All the strangers who have shaped me, no matter how big or small, I hope you are happy and winning in life.

Keep being incredible!
Keep being you!

---

Thanks for sticking by! <3
If this hits home or sparks a memory, I’d love to know it! 💌