Nowadays we are always advised not to talk to strangers( at least I am ) that is especially if you have very very protective parents and it is even worst if you are a single child. We hear things happening around us everyday and this plays a big role in scaring as well as worrying parents to the maximum about their childrens' safety. But coming to think of it, what would be our reaction if we are approached by a stranger? Actually our reactions would vary depending on the individual.
A few days ago, I was having my dinner in a restaurant. I was alone because all my friends had gone back home and I am the only one staying in the hostel. I was playing games in my phone while waiting for my food to arrive. Then a middle aged man came, he was looking around and he came straight up to me and asked if the food there was good. For a moment I was tongue tied. Then i quickly composed myself and blurted out that it was okay. The waiter gave him the menu and he chose his meal. By this time my food had arrived. As I was eating he came and asked me if he could join me. Again I was taken aback and I shoke my head dumbly. Numerous weird thoughts flashed in my mind. A voice inside me was telling " do not panic be cool be cool". The man started enquiring about me that is he asked my name, what I was studying, where am I from, how many people are there in my family and he even asked me why am I not studying abroad. My adrenaline was going wild but I answered all his questions as briefly as possible while thinking how screwed I will be when my mom gets to know about this.
Through out the whole conversation I was trying to make a judgement of him. His eyes were benign, his smile was genuine and he was seated comfortably in his chair with a newspaper. He seemed to be a nice gentleman. I finished my dinner and was about to excuse myelf to pay the bill when he said " Don't bother paying. I will pay for you." I said that it was okay and I will pay for the food myself and I did not want to trouble him, then he said " It is not going to cause me a fortune plus you remind me of my daughter!" I was really touched by this and I got to know that his children were living abroad.
This encounter made me realize that not all strangers are bad and that we can judge people to a certain extend from their verbal and nonverbal messages. But still we should not jump to conclusions as first impressions and assumptions can be wrong. As for me I think that I need not be so paronoid but cautious when meeting strangers.
Posted by : A.Padmassini A/P V.Anand
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