Befriending Random Strangers

Making friends with random strangers can add beneficial connections with people and a more robust engagement with life regardless of the length or depth of the friendship.

Hugs between friends are awesome.

Yesterday morning I had one of those random meetings that made me yet again realize the tremendous benefits of making friends with random strangers.

I was having breakfast at my usual morning breakfast spot. The next table over were two women, one of whom I’d seen occasionally at the restaurant in the past but we’d never spoken.

I would have guessed the two women were about my age. Turns out I was close in my guess with one of them but off with the other who was older than me by 12 years.

Their discussion was incredibly lively. I was having breakfast and coffee alone which is usual for me most of the time. As I drank my coffee and read my book, I was also able to periodically tune into their conversation taking place just a few feet from me. They were discussing all sorts of interesting topics. Politics. Retirement strategies. Travel. Books. Clearly these were interesting people.

One of the women had a dog sitting at her feet. When the dog and I locked eyes, the dog’s eyes lit up with that “do you want to pet me or give me a treat” look anyone who’s been around dogs for any length of time fully understands. The dog walked…