Page 359: Strangers and a Noisy World

Do you remember those days when you were kids, your parent(s) told you not to talk to strangers? It's a little bit funny, I think. Funny because when the world has defined you as an adult, you're sort of demanded to be able to talk to strangers, to connect, and to differentiate between the good ones and the bad ones. Those who are harmless, and those who can cause pain - and protect yourself from the latter, or learn how to heal your wounds that they made. You'll meet those who turn into your friends until your last breath, and you will also meet those who are stopping by and be one of those short stories in your life.

As an adult in the digital era, meeting strangers and talk to them (using your mouth or fingers) as an effort to muffle loneliness and insecurity that come once in a while is pretty easy, isn't it? I know I can't speak on behalf of everyone. Different people, different ways of see things. I say pretty easy because technology has provided us a new way to connect to each other, break some walls as well as created ones.

I had the thoughts above when I sat on some spot in that park, with a "stranger" sat next to me. The shy guy who shared his stories and thoughts and listened to mine as well. Stories and thoughts that only some people that have been friends with me for years ever heard.

He said he liked to listen to my stories. He said things that made me feel good about myself too. Nearly complacent, to be exact. He also told me about his issues and shyness, that make him - more often than not - appear quiet and hesitant to speak up although he has things to say.

We sat there until the sky turned dark and our stomachs demanded food. I wanted to say something to him but I didn't say it that time, simply because I hadn't figured out how to elaborate the thought.

Not until a few days after he left I finally can compose the thought. My fingers danced on the keyboard as I was telling him to not throwing away the more-listening-less-talking quality he has. "This is a noisy world after all.." I typed the last sentence and hit the send button.

Sometimes, some strangers can give you good stories and lessons.
Even when they don't talk as much as you do.
If you're patient enough to listen.
And let them know you will listen.

Another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults