- We have an overload of stimulus today and one of our coping mechanisms for this is how we follow a script in most conversations. (See also [[Why we don't talk to strangers|Why we don't talk to strangers]]) - Typical conversations are always something like "Hi, How are you doing?" and that is the end of that. - A great way to actually have an interaction is to break the script. For example when someone asks you how you're doing you might say I'm feeling a 7 on 10 prompting someone else to also give you a numerical answer. Then you might ask what would make your day a 9/10 to really start the conversation. - Another simple exercise to try is to make eye contact with others holding for a second and wish good morning to those who meet yours back. ---- #curiousminds 193: Joe Keohane on The Benefit of Talking to Strangers