This is the second post from the wonderfully varied archives of poet and author Ritu Bhathal. This week I have selected a post dear to heart. I love people watching and having spent considerable time in airports for work and pleasure, I will talk to anyone who dares to sit next to me. I do try to behave myself on long haul flights, but it is amazing what you can find out about someone in 10 hours!
Conversations with random strangers 2017 by Ritu Bhathal
Anyone who knows me will willingly confirm the following fact… I can talk for England!
And, though not verbal, once I start a comment rally , even on here, I find it hard to stop!
So it stands to reason, where there’s an opportunity to talk to someone, anyone, I will happily take it!
You can end up having lovely conversations with older people, who are sometimes boggled by the technology and communications nowadays, almost starved of regular ‘normal’ conversation.
The kids hate doing the weekly shop with me, apparently I ALWAYS stop to talk to someone and I take AGES… Hubby Dearest says the same… Hmmm, maybe there’s some truth to it then! 😜
Example 1.
I was shopping, sans kids or hubby, and went to the game section. Its Lil Princess’s birthday next month, so I need new present suggestions.. Too soon after Christmas! But, I digress.
I picked up Just Dance 2015 and went to pay… She loves these games.
An elderly lady was at the till. She looked at the game, then at me. I smiled and for no reason whatsoever explained it was a ‘getting ready for daughter’s birthday’ present. She said “Good choice my dear, at least it’s active!” We then went on to talk about the youngsters nowadays being addicted to console games, and lack of fresh air and exercise. This led to her saying she has no internet, no interest in getting it, and on to how her grand daughter insists on getting a text from them if they wanted to talk to her, not just a simple phone call! Her husband arrived and we parted company, with me getting a pat on the back for keeping my kids active, and for having a chat!
Yes, it does add 5-10 minutes to a trip out but it’s fun! I just can’t help it!
Example 2.
Yup, just today, I was in Primark and buying a couple of jumpers, which I had bought previously, but managed to shrink in the wash! 😳 Again, a lovely older lady was perusing the knitwear and happened upon one of the jumpers I’d also picked up. Eye contact occurred, then a smile, followed by a discussion about the jumpers being great, how I’m cr*p at laundry, and what on earth is up with Primark sizing!
Example 3
No, why would I stop there! The lady at the till was next. And after talking about the now infamous jumpers, we were discussing their practicality in my job, comfort and stuff, and I came away from this conversation with a ‘well done with doing the job you love!’
(And a queue of customers behind me!)
I have come to the conclusion its all about the eye contact…and smile.
So if you ever see me and don’t want to chat, whatever you do, don’t let me see you!!! If I smile, that’s 10 minutes of your life GONE! If, however, you fancy a chat, smile away!!!
Just don’t wink… That’s just weird!
©Ritu Bhathal 2017
What was your latest encounter with a stranger? Please share in the comments….
About Ritu Bhathal
Ritu Bhathal was born in Birmingham in the mid-1970’s to migrant parents, hailing from Kenya but with Indian origin. This colourful background has been a constant source of inspiration to her.
From childhood, she always enjoyed reading. This love of books is mostly credited to her mother. The joy of reading spurred her on to become creative in her own writing, from fiction to poetry. Winning little writing competitions at school and locally gave her the encouragement to continue writing.
As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, she has drawn on inspiration from many avenues to create the poems that she writes.
A qualified teacher, having studied at Kingston University, she now deals with classes of children as a sideline to her writing!
Ritu also writes a blog, a mixture of life and creativity, thoughts and opinions, which was recently awarded The Best Overall Blog Award at the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards in 2017.
Ritu is happily married and living in Kent, with her Hubby Dearest, and two children, not forgetting the furbaby Sonu Singh. She is currently working on some short stories, and a novel, to be published in the near future.
Delve into a book of verse exploring different topics and different genres, all with a RITUal twist.
A collection of poetry drawing on the experiences of the writer, ranging from matters of the heart, love for the family, situations in life and some verses written with a humorous twist.
One of the reviews for the collection
Although this is a book of poetry, you should be able to understand every page and find lines and stanzas that make you smile–or at least make you want to highlight them so you can find them again quickly.
Read all the reviews and buy the collection: https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-RITUals-Ritu-Bhathal/dp/1533088020
and other reviews on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-RITUals-Ritu-Bhathal-ebook/dp/B01H46DN5Q
Read more reviews and follow Ritu on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30843440-poetic-rituals
Connect to Ritu
Blog: https://butismileanyway.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/butismileanyway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhantomGiggler
Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/but-i-smile-anyway-13707551
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ritusmiles
My thanks to Ritu for permitting me to dive into her archives to share with you. I hope you will head over and check them out for yourselves. Thanks Sally
Thank you for sharing this Sally!
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Just tidaybthe kids commented how every cashier we visited ended up engaged in a chat… I’ll never stop!
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Reblogged this on But I Smile Anyway… and commented:
Pop over to Sally’s to read another of my posts from my archives, as chosen by Sally!
It’s all about me talking too much… Not much changed there!!!
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All true Sis and as you know I am just as bad, or is that good. I love to be social it helps us get through life 💜
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I think it’s definitely a good thing!!!
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So do I 💜
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A great choice, Sally. Very entertaining. I am like this too.
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Thanks Robbie.. I enjoyed very much..hugs
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Best way to be… and I’m not biased… not at all! 😉
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I tend to be like this as well. A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. (Will Rogers)
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I love getting chatting to people..as writers they are a great source… hugsx
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I love that thought Darlene!
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Lol Ritu, I have the same disease, and my hub is always miles ahead of me, waiting and waiting. 🙂 x
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What can we do, eh?! 🥰
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Nothing. That’s how we’re built lol 🙂
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🤓
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They should form a club.. I have a prospective member! hugs
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Thye should. I have one as well. xo
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♥
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It would be a big club 😉
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LOL Sal! ❤
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Thanks for sharing. It’s amazing how much you can learn about people. I can do with some socialising during flights.
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Thank you Vivien.. you have a captive audience…
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I get there are times when you want a but of quiet, but a companion, however temporary, on a long flight would be good!!!
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Ritu, if the world had more people who can just have friendly interactions such as these, the world would be a lot happier place. Regardless of what someone’s political views are, we still should be able to communicate in a civilized manner. Besides that, children are watching and learning from us all the time. What better example to set than to demonstrate common decency to one another.
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I wish people we’re more approachable. I met an old man once, because we smiled at each other as we crossed aisles in the supermarket. He stopped me and said ‘thank you. People are far too grumpy and in their own works nowadays.’ We met regularly every weekend at the supermarket as we shopped at the same time, having a joke, until his wife’s health took a turn for the worse. We are still Facebook friends!
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Are you familiar with the term “people person,” Ritu? It is someone who enjoys and is good at interacting with others. That description sounds like it might fit you. I think it is pretty cool that you made friends with the older gentleman at the supermarket.
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Oh, I’m definitely a People Person! Get that from both my parents!!!
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I agree Pete.. we are supposed to be role models… not sure some are taking that too seriously, especially some of the ‘celebrities’ xx
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When I see a celebrity who pays attention to their responsibility of being a role model, I am automatically drawn to that person. It is an opportunity for them to do some good in the world, and I root for the ones who understand that role, Sally.
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There are some Pete who are clear candidates but it seems the most popular are a little less so..
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So nice Ritu, just like you! It’s fun when you have a lovely chat whilst out and about. 🙂 x
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Definitely, Marje!!! X
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I have met some long term friends by starting a conversation in the checkout queue..xx
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Wonderful. Xxx I used to be so shy but less so with age! Lol. Working on it!
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♥
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Yes, Ritu described her wonderful self to a T.
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♥
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❤️
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Thanks Jennie 🙏🏽
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You’re welcome, Ritu! 🙂
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I enjoyed Ritu’s post. The conversations she describes I consider random acts of kindness much appreciated by their recipients.
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I’m always up for a chat, and if it makes someone happy, all the better!
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I am with you on that. it is amazing what a smile and a little recognition that you exist can mean to someone..hugsx
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Absolutely, Sally 🥰
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I am sure Liz..it can mean a great deal to a lot of people just to be noticed for a few minutes.. xx
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Yes, Ritu, it’s the best way to spend time when we’re in line, or on the plane or train. I can find out the people’s ‘life story’ with conversations like that. Thank you for the post and thank you, Sally for the good choice of Ritu’s archives.
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It’s fascinating, the things we can find out, just chatting to random folk!
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I know, Ritu. I don’t think I can manager, so never ask for more than first name, no address, of course!
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🤓
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🙂
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Thank you Miriam.. I have enjoyed my summer of reading blogs.. enlightening and entertaining.. hugs
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You’re welcome, Sally. I’ve been reading paperback so far, one was Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. I may read another of her memoir before her novel. My eyes need a little break from the screen of Kindle and blogs though.
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Some great reading there Miriam.. and yes I like to disappear into the garden if I can each day to give my eyes a rest.. hugsx
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Yes, greenery is always good for the eyes, Sally. ❤
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