Blueberry East said:
SoCal78 said:
You are the man who introduced himself as "I-----" at Ralph's in Woodbury Town Center.
I'm curious. How come this always happens to you? Are you wearing the 'Talk Irvine' T-Shirt?
According to RC (where is he by the way?) it is hard to meet people in the WB town center.
Hehe. Well, the first time I made a post like this, I had ran into an old coworker, so we already knew each other. This time, this person and I just got to talking while waiting at the coffee bar. (I actually do not own a TI t-shirt, haha.)
I find it pretty easy to make small talk with strangers just about everywhere... more easily than online even. It can really be any place. If you're the one who is doing the approaching, you can use visual cues to relate to that person, unlike on the internet. A couple weeks ago, I met the cutest little old lady at this same spot and although she was the one who came up to me, we stood there for an hour and a half talking while everything in my cart melted. Certain people are more open to socializing than others, such as retirees or those with small kids. But if you want to, you can get to know just about anybody. I suspect RC has an easier time than he lets on, though.
I've met him and his family. They are a really nice family with the cutest little baby who I'm sure must become a conversation-piece with strangers and he's friendly, social and talkative so if I had to guess, his posts are made more for the sake of engagement to enhance the social experience that he enjoys. (I'm on to you, RC!)
It's funny, I've ran into so many of you whom I have met through IHB and TI. I frequently see Vicstah bicycling down Portola Parkway (at least, I'm 99% sure it's him). I've ran into NewtoOC at Trader Joe's in Woodbury several times. I've ran into kayochan & Mr. Kayochan sporadically at two different locations. Then I realized there are probably more who I know online so for that reason, I have thought the TI shirt would come in handy there!)
Speaking of RC - somebody tell him the sample lady at Woodbury TJ's has a winter tea available. I thought of him right away. Thought he would like it. I didn't try it but everyone was saying how good it was as they were clustered around, drinking.
If you enjoy talking to people, it is pretty easy to get to know folks here. You just have to know where to look and find things in common. Ask them about themselves and be curious (people love to talk about themselves), ask for their help with something especially if it's their area of expertise, and remember details about them in case you see them again (and if you're super-interested, do make plans to touch base with each other.) You boost your chances if you become involved in any kind of regular social interaction such as a class or club. But, if you don't have the chance to do those things, you can still get to know people you run into. I do think it helps if you also portray yourself as an approachable person as well.
I'm sorry this got so long.
