I have always appreciated it when people have been welcoming and friendly to me.  Especially when one is young and shy, a person tends to be fearful of not being accepted or included when around strangers.  I was like that and so I know how that feels.  Therefore, as I became an adult I seized the opportunity to be friendly to newcomers, whenever and however the situation presented itself.

I find that whenever I try to put myself in another persons’ shoes, there are many different ways one can be welcoming to that person.  It is especially important when one witnesses someone who is in distress.  There, the opportunity to make a difference reveals itself.  We can choose to be friendly and kind to that person.  But it is so important to be aware of the facial expressions and body language of the person in distress in order to determine an appropriate response.  However, sometimes just a look of concern can communicate your desire to be of help.

I have found that in my dealings with strangers, just the facial expression of each new person tells a story.  That expression is also a clue for how to approach this individual.  And there are times when it is clear that any communication with this individual will be unwelcome.  Then one must walk away.

Most of the time, my encounters with strangers have been very positive.  There have even been times where a conversation leads to a friendship.  This has happened to me.  And for that, I am very grateful.

It is not always wise to approach another person.  If you are in unfamiliar surroundings, or do not feel comfortable around a person, do not approach or even have eye contact with them.  Your feelings are often an indication of whether what is happening is a good or bad situation.

Most of the time, being friendly is a really positive and satisfying thing for me to be.  It’s okay if others do not feel this way.  Everyone of us is a unique person.  And that is a very good thing.