Don't Look At Strangers. Don't Talk to Strangers.

At Portland Airport, there's a long corridor that goes from the terminal underground to long term parking. It's a long corridor, and anybody in it is obviously either coming home or leaving.  And because it's a long corridor, and people typically don't talk to strangers or look at them, it can be an uncomfortable walk.

You can see the other person from nearly 100 yards away trying to not look at you.  Usually people stare at the ground, look at their cell phone, or try any other myriad of ways to avoid making any sort of uncomfortable contact with people walking in the corridor.

I've decided to change my tune.

Today when I was walking down the corridor to get ready for my flight, I saw a usual suspect a pretty good distance away. I immediately looked at him with a warm smile and said,

"Welcome home"

After that, we had about a 10 second conversation as we were continuing to walk towards each other, and then past each other.  There was no discomfort, and I could tell he appreciated the gesture.  I did too.  It's nice to be able to connect with total strangers in a kind, common way... even if it is for just a moment.

So next time you find yourself in a social situation where the "correct" action is silence and ignoring the other person (an elevator is a great example), consider taking the courageous action - consider making an attempt to connect with the other person not as a stranger, but rather, as a fellow human... perhaps even a long-lost friend.

After all, in a manner of speaking we're all long-lost friends just looking to find one another again...