Don't stop...

Hugh Mackay, in his talk commenting on current trends in Australian society, pointed out what many of us are aware of - the fact that we are often isolated from one another and don't even know our neighbours, a fact that many of us are wistful about.
In the chat after the session I mentioned that it may be different in country areas and that I certainly chat to people in the street. In fact if I say g'day and get no response I usually mutter, 'Must be from the city.'
I've also wondered if it's a cultural thing, When I spent time living in the city I was determined to keep up my 'country culture' and at least make eye contact and smile at those I saw. I used to walk the same route and saw the same people. One Chinese couple always evaded my gaze and never once did I connect with them.
[High School students were reluctant responders too but one noticeable exception gave me a huge smile and has been married to my daughter for 13 years now, but that's another story.]
In a previous blog I mentioned how when on holidays I chat to people everywhere and find delight in those connections rather than in the scenery or travel itself. I have wondered whether it embarrasses my family 'Mum talks to everyone. Blah, blah..' And I read the statistic that said the number of Americans who welcome incidental chat, eg in the lift or at the bus stop, is 0%.
In reply to my commnet Hugh Mackay simply said, 'Don't stop'. He himself is a chatterer and sees value in even small connections within our community. It put me in mind of the brief conversation with someone as I was leaving the Footy Club after dinner recently. I commented on her little grandchild who was wobblingly trying to stand up. We began to talk and she explained why the children and grandchildren were visiting - because her husband was very sick and likely to be incapacitated. I simply listened and muttered about it being hard and wished her well. No idea of her name or situation beyond what she said but for those few moments I believe there was genuine connection and care and maybe the world is a better place for it.