Comment by jnovek
7 hours ago
I don’t mind talking to strangers, I’m actually a very chatty and genial person. Some would even say that I don’t know how to shut up. I just don’t want people (strangers or otherwise) to interrupt me at times when I don’t want to talk.
My question is, why do you think you’re entitled to consume strangers’ time?
I think we see things differently. I view conversation as an offer, with no expectations either way. Whereas you seem to put more weight on it, I'd guess because the ADHD you mentioned in another comment means interruptions are more impactful for you. I'm not sure there is a way to bridge this gap, because for me (based both on my understanding of modern psychological research and personal experience), a world without talking to strangers is a much impoverished one emotionally and spiritually. I'm afraid I'm willing to throw your mental wellbeing out with the bathwater on this, though I feel bad about doing so.