Contrary to popular advice, I like to talk to strangers. I may have mentioned this before, along with the fact that I cannot be blamed for this affliction. It is my Mum’s fault, I have no choice in the matter. Nature or nurture? Whichever it might be, I am a lost cause.
This morning, early enough to encounter dog walkers and joggers, I wandered into town to pick up a prescription. I danced the Two Meter Fandango with everyone I met, crossing the road or moving into space, ensuring Social Distancing protocol was observed. Each time we exchanged a smile, a thank you, a good morning.
A shaven-haired chunk of a man approached with his similarly imposing doberman. I had passed this duo many times before, a nod the most intimate we had ever been. Today, as he moved into the road to let me pass, he said “I feel bad doing this” and we stood appropriately far apart and chatted for a few minutes. A charming, personable fellow.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been in contact with friends and family, and even the odd stranger, more often than ever before. Checking up, checking in. Although, in physical terms, we feel so very far apart, perhaps more importantly we have become much closer emotionally. The silver lining.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Gill, that is a lovely thought, the silver lining.
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You’re right – checking up and checking in, often.
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And a lovely morning observation. Thanks for sharing.
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Glad you enjoyed it Chris. 🙂
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Is there a popular belief (in some primitive and barbaric culture on some isolated island in the middle of an ocean that no one ever heard of before) that you don’t like to talk to strangers?!
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or is that sarcasm?
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Oh duh.
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I didn’t think Yanks could do sarcasm! Good job ☺️
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Yanks?!?! I am a CALIFORNIAN!!!
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🤣 We call all Americans “Yanks”. I will be more careful in future.
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Well, many primitive cultures use such lingo, so we should be used to it. Australians and New Zealanders say it with such a cool accent that it is difficult to be offended.
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Perhaps ….. 🤣
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Okay, such a culture is . . . well, . . . nevermind.
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You have summed up the moment beautifully.
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Thanks x
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I have often found that the people who try to ‘look ‘ard’ are often using it as protection and are far from hard, Lovely point you have made.
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I think you right, I’ve met a few rum ‘uns and often they have a soft centre. And thank you 🙂
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Lovely post hit the nail on the head all round x
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Thank you, everything OK with you and yours? x
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Yes thank you all OK x
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