Conversations with Strangers

A collection of true life stories

Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had have been with people I either never saw again, or whose names I did not know.

As amusing as that is, it’s one of the most beautiful things about life. That you can meet a few of the over 8 billion people in the world who will leave a positive impact on you, but whose path yours will never cross again. An encounter of brevity and beauty. A second scenario is where you meet the same strangers multiple times, everyday even, but the only thing you know about them is that you have wholesome conversations every time you meet. You do not know their surname, or their first name. You do not know their hopes and dreams, or their flaws and weaknesses. You do not know their values, so they cannot be your friend. They will always just simply be that stranger that you leave a good influence on or vice versa. And that is actually very cool.

You see, I don’t have many friends. I’m introverted by nature and there are barely people that know me well. But one thing I’ve learnt to do in recent times is strike (meaningful) conversations with strangers. Strangers because I’ve been at the receiving end of such great conversations and I want to be a giver of such light as well.

I think of the “car tissue guy” (as I call him because I never asked of his name) that I spoke to on my way to work every morning at a traffic light a little after Sakaman. He’d be selling his tissues, and I’d ask him how it was going. I learnt through our conversations that he was doing his national service, and would go about his tissue business very early in the mornings, then rush to work after to avoid his boss’ berating for the umpteenth time about being late. He didn’t know what his plans would be upon completion of the service, but he was taking it a day at a time. I changed my route because potholes wanted to destroy what was left of my car, never to see him again when the road was finally fixed and I returned to my usual route.

There was a group of strangers I was put in the same group with for a tour, and they saw me eating prawns with the shells and politely told me that I was eating it the wrong way (I’m from Ghana, we eat the shells AND absolutely love them). I was anything but embarrassed by their actions; in fact, I was impressed. To them I was probably harming myself, but shrimps and prawns can actually be eaten with the shells once well cleaned and properly cooked. They showed me how they ate theirs but I still ate mine my way. The sincerity of their actions however was enough to make me appreciate them.

PS. I do not know any of the people I took this photo with, not even their names.

I nearly drowned on one of those days, and as my life flashed before my eyes all the shyness I was feeling from wearing a bikini for the first time vanished. I lost my cover-up in the process and it was only after I had recovered from the shock of nearly drowning that I realized that ah! It’s just my bikini left on me o! Guess who noticed my discomfort and jumped from the sailboat when we were literally in the middle of the Indian Ocean, hours away from the shore, to find my cover-up and return it to me? A stranger. A noble gesture that ended there and then.

On another day, my tour guide was busily taking pictures of me when a group of strangers walked past me. I immediately heard, “This lady is Ghanaian”, spoken in Twi. I sharply turned. Had I just heard Twi? The surprise that registered in my brain instinctively made me say, “Wosee?!” (What did you say?!). We (the strangers and I) all burst out LAUGHING. It was a such a funny moment. That they could tell I was Ghanaian without speaking to me was wholesome.

PS. I do not know any of the people I took this photo with, not even their names.

There’s a young lady at the pharmacy at my junction where I buy my sanitizers. It’s been years and I don’t know her name; I’ve never asked. She doesn’t know my name either. But I always look forward to seeing her because her eyes light up when she sees me. Apparently I make her laugh (I’m not even funny) yet it makes me happy that I’m the reason someone else is happy.

At the beginning of February a stranger I sat by in church responded to a statement the Pastor made about gifting better halves this season, and the man beside me said for no one’s benefit, "Momo naa na ehia”, translating to “Its just the money that’s necessary”. It was none of my business, but I found his comment funny. So I turned to him and politely suggested he presents her with a more thought-out gift that would make her feel seen; money was just a bonus. He responded pragmatically and thanked me, which made me glad that I spoke in the first place.

There’re two things you can do today; focus on yourself and the many gifts you’re either receiving or lacking, or go out there and make a stranger’s day, which would in turn make yours.

Whether you’re a lady or gentleman, as you enter that shop today to get a gift for your mum or dad, strike a conversation with the attendant. Wish her a happy Valentine’s day. Jokingly ask her if she “gnashed” like you (it’s important to add this so they don’t feel offended), and if she indulges you and says “yes oo hmm!”, buy her a cute gift from that very shop she’s standing in and let that encounter end right there; nothing more. Make her day and go away.

Ask the washing bay dude same question and tip him generously.

Or the receptionist you greeted this morning at work, but whose name you don’t remember.

Or the waiter at the restaurant you have a reservation at this evening.

Or the usher at the church program you’re attending.

My message is simple - be a conduit for agape love today and everyday, especially for people that can’t pay you back. You know I talk a lot; I could’ve just said this straight from the beginning.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.