I talk to strangers all day long while working as a server, but there is something about talking to a stranger in a setting where I am not obligated to do so that is quite intimidating. So, when faced with this task for class, I had to swallow my fears, and I am glad that I did!
I thought that the best way to approach this challenge would be to do it in a setting that I am comfortable in. The day after class, I went to the gym and noticed a girl wearing super cute shorts. I see cute outfits in the gym all the time, but normally I just make a mental note to try and google the clothes later. This time, I asked where she got her shorts. I had no idea what to expect, but the interaction was so pleasant. She complimented my shorts, told me where she got hers, and we ended up chatting for a few minutes about all of our favourite activewear. We have had conversations every time that we have seen each other in the gym since that day, and I would go as far as to call her a friend.
I really appreciated having a genuine in-person interaction with someone new. Creating a connection face-to-face has helped me create the sense of community in the gym that I’ve been looking for, and that I have not been able to find in any online spaces.
