Why We Desire to Connect with Strangers
What are strangers’ superpower?
It is strange when we can open up with a friendly seatmate on the plane or people who we just meet online. But there are underlying motives in the way we want to connect with strangers.
1. We Want Our Secrets Kept
Secrets are tricky. And something least that we want to happen is when someone uses them against us. When meeting strangers, there is a high chance that we will not see these people again. And this fact alone will secure us to confide with them. We don’t see strangers as a threat, since their presence will discontinue once the random encounter comes to an end.
2. No Boundaries Crossed
Talking to strangers allows us to connect with emotional distance, in a way where we can control the interaction. Thus, we can decide which information we want to reveal and which we want to keep from them. This may be in contrast to the type of relationship we have with our parents or siblings. Oftentimes, the family bond is strong access for our closest ones to enter our personal space, even if we’re unwilling to disclose certain information to them.
3. No Judgment
What‘s more fun than when someone is interested in what we have to say and listens to our story with an objective point of view? We might subconsciously sense this element of neutrality and acceptance when we meet strangers, because they do not know us personally. This will result in a balanced interaction where anyone involved can mutually share their thoughts without fear of being judged.
4. Novelty
We find strangers fascinating because we know nothing about them. Therefore, connection with strangers often comes with a sequence of surprises. That is the same reason why conversing with strangers is considered fun. Because no one knows if some talks exchanged with the stranger on anonymous chat will inspire a new hobby or casual interaction with someone on the train station may bring in a new job.
Thank you for reading!
