Moments with Melody – Don’t Talk to Strangers

It’s something we’ve all been taught since we were small – don’t talk to strangers… However, there are strangers, and then there are strangers, and then there are strangers.

Yeah, I know, but the world keeps changing so the rule needs to change with it to keep us safe.

Here’s how I see it.

First, there are strangers. These are just people we don’t know. We stand next to them in the cashier’s line at the grocery store, we stand next to them at the gas pump, we stand next to them at the coffee shop. They are strangers. We don’t know them. Yet. I recently listened to an article about how it’s good for us to share some small talk with these people. It’s good for our mental health. So, stick your phone in your pocket for just a few minutes and have a real human conversation. You’re not committing to anything by having a brief conversation, although you might find something in common with this stranger and it could grow into a true friendship. What a blessing that could be.

And the thing that absolutely amazes me is that people avoid eye contact and don’t speak to that person they are standing next to at their local shop, however, they will “friend” anybody and everybody on social media. I receive friend requests all the time from people I don’t know. I don’t just blindly accept them as some do. I look at that person’s information. Do they know somebody I know? Do they work somewhere I go to frequently? Do they have specific interests in some of the same things I have an interest in? Is there a community or a commonality I should consider, or are they just sending friend requests to everyone to “get their numbers up?” And we all know there are strangers on social media that are looking to prey on us. They are not always easy to recognize, however most of us are cognizant they are there and we take note when something seems “off.” Always listen to that little voice… And teach your children how to do that, too. Keep them safe on the internet.

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the internet. I embraced it from inception and like to think of myself as an internet gypsy. I love exploring various sites and learning new things. I can do a lot of scrolling and sometimes I must curb myself (nobody is watching over my shoulder, so I have to be my own police.) But through this, I have learned how to do my research to know who or what is viable or not. And yes, I have made some very good friends through the internet.

Then, of course, there are strangers. Yes. The ones your parents warned you about, the ones you warn your children about. Don’t talk to those strangers! You know the rules – stay safe so that maybe one day we can meet.

Contributed by Melody Lowe