Aren't you so over hearing that word?
It creates fissures between us and the-weird-dude-with-the-ferret. It makes failed high-fives and misaligned hug attempts seem devastating. And, it’s not completely due to social media takeover; psychology has something to do with it as well.
Wait, wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. This is not an extrovert’s rant about getting out of your comfort zone, networking with sleeping passengers on city trains, or picking up anyone. I’m merely shining light on one paralyzed social skill some folks don’t realize they have.
THAT MOMENT WHEN…
You are perusing the aisles of Whole Foods for hand lotion infused with almond oil, and you see the Long Lost Person you haven’t spoken a WORD to since like forever. What do you?
The most obvious course of action is to furtively crawl pass them, only to realize mysterious hairs and food particles —albeit organic—are stuck to your knees. Why not use a prop?
Prop: (noun) something noticeable to you and relevant to the person [stranger] which allows you to easily converse with them, hopefully saving you from socially induced embarrassment and discomfort
Fortunately, Long Lost Person is holding a bunch of bananas. You could launch into a dissertation on the benefits of potassium, or you can ask them if they saw the LIFE CHANGING sale on pomegranates. The idea is to “naturally” break into conversation. It may not work on the first attempt.
“I don’t even like pomegranates” they chide.
In that case, swerve. Or, comment on the shoes they’re wearing, the flannel shirt you’re both twinning in, or how you both slept through 8am trig.
You + A Prop = Less Awkwardness.
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