[Tuesday] Discussion: Talking to Strangers

Join our discord: https://discord.gg/sXmd8MRvmr

Talking to strangers is a simple act that can open the door to connection, curiosity, and unexpected moments of humanity. While many of us are taught to be cautious around people we don’t know, brief interactions with strangers—whether friendly, awkward, or meaningful—can shape our sense of community and belonging. These encounters can challenge assumptions, spark empathy, or simply brighten a day. In this discussion, we’ll explore what draws us toward or away from strangers, what makes such interactions meaningful, and how they influence our social world.

1. How do you feel about talking to strangers in everyday situations?
2. Can you recall a memorable or meaningful interaction with a stranger?
3. What makes you more or less likely to start a conversation with someone you don’t know?
4. How do cultural or social norms influence comfort with strangers?
5. What role does trust or perceived safety play in these interactions?
6. Have you ever avoided talking to someone and later wished you hadn’t?
7. What kinds of settings make talking to strangers feel easier or harder?
8. How can small interactions with strangers affect mood or outlook?
9. What assumptions do we tend to make about strangers, and how accurate are they?
10. How do brief connections with strangers contribute to a sense of community?
11. How can we balance openness with appropriate boundaries when engaging strangers?

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

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## How our discussions work

• Each meetup has a clear topic and guiding questions.
  We stay with them so everyone gets the conversation they came for.
• This is a reflective discussion, not a debate.
  The focus is understanding and exploration rather than persuasion or winning an argument.
• We speak from personal experience.
  Sharing is encouraged; judging, correcting, or speaking over others isn’t.
• We move one question at a time.
  Related thoughts are welcome when they support the question we’re exploring.
• We share the space.
  Everyone has a chance to speak, and no one is expected to dominate or perform.
• We listen generously.
  Curiosity, presence, and openness matter more than certainty.
• This is a non-political, non-outrage space.
  The emphasis is on reflection and connection, not debate or escalation.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each. When you arrive, please gather next to Amazon Go. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.