Today as I walked home from college, a surprising phenomenon occurred. A man driving past in his car paused by where I was walking, asked me for the time, said thanks and continued on his way.
Now that may seem normal to many people but as we all know, London is a city which has a marvellous fear of social interaction. Try walking along a busy high street and see how many people wish you a good afternoon or ride the underground and see how many people strike up conversations with their fellow passengers. The answer is none. Londoners are not really a trusting bunch.
This is why the man asking me for the time surprised me and made me think of how once, a friend described how thieves ask you for the time in the hope that you will pull out an expensive phone that they can snatch away. These things may happen but stories like this also create a sense of fear and distrust to such an extent that a person legitimately asking for help is not refused but simply not heard as the immediate reaction we are taught to a stranger approaching us is to lower your head and walk faster.
This is what vulnerable children are taught but as we grow older, surely we should be able to judge for ourselves? The fears that are spread regarding thieves, robbers and scams may be true but this does not mean that we erect barries around ourselves and do not interact with a fellow human purely because we believe any person on the street is likely to pose a threat to us.
It is of course a complex dilemma and needs people to dismiss stereotypes as well as those who do act in a negative way to stop. In the meantime, wear a watch, as that way you can give the time without having to look at your expensive enticing phone.
Until Next Time
A Worried Student
A WORRIED STUDENT 
In the South, that is in the United States we ask the time of strangers and strike up conversations, you might check out my Southern Culture articles. I’m even friendlier than that. At checkout lines I start conversations and tell jokes to the people working there to give them a break from the monotony and make them feel appreciated and human, not just a price scanner. But then again I suffered a concussion so maybe I’m just nuts. o,O 😀
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Ronovan,
That is down home Southern hospitality! Haven’t been asked the time in ages, but striking up conversations, heck yea!
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Maybe Londoners should go on a hospitality learning trip to the Southern states?
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For sure! You would be invited to a bbq in no time!
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Haha great!
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Haha that is excellent! I think London has alot to learn from you!
I don’t know why we have become like this though as other cities in the UK are certainly much friendlier.
Carry on being awesome!
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Stereotyping is an awful awful thing in most times, I think.
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Yes it definitely is.
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Really pointed, graceful, thought provoking post. Thank you!
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Well thank you! 🙂
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Your Welcome! Thank you!! I experienced a similar encounter with culture her in Denmark & broke through the introvert ness of this society & it has been so special since.
Your a fantastic writer! Look forward to your posts.:) Have a nice day!
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That’s really great to hear! Building a strong community is very important otherwise we as humans end up living apart despite being neighbours.
Thanks and you too! 😀
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Any time! Blog on…:)
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In Canada I still get asked the time once and a while, mostly if I’m waiting for the bus with other people. In my current town its rare for someone to say hello when passing out on the street but it still happens. I live in a bigger city now but when I lived in a small village everyone talked to everyone all the time. Now I don’t even know my neighbors.
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Hmm so it must be something to do with cities but I don’t think there should be. There’s always the idea that people in cities live such busy live that they have no time for anyone but that isn’t true. We all have a few seconds or minutes to have a conversation. We need to make our communities more close knit I think.
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I agree we do need to make time and get to know people. I don’t think the reason people ignore everyone isn’t because of busy lives, and that you were right when you think there is a lack of trust.
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I’m beginning to see why community groups, local clubs and activities are so important as they help build relationships and poromote social interaction.
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I love striking up conversations with strangers. Unfortunately, I tend to find common ground with people whilst stood at the bus stop or train station as we’re complaining about the terrible state of public transport rather than just to say hello!
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Haha well it is always better to complain as a group than as a single voice! Right? Plus you never know, from a common groan of despair, a conversation may be struck and a beautiful friendship formed!
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Where I live everyone that passes you either says how ya doin, or gives you a head nod, so I cant really relate to this one. 😉
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Sounds like you live in a really friendly area!
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I wouldnt really say friendly, but small, everyone either knows you or knows of you.
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Ahah so close-knit then which must be great but I can also imagine must mean there are some -whispers- ‘annoying people’ you wish you could avoid!
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Absolutely. ; )
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Heh that is totally true. I think it’s because so many people are strangers here in London, and everyone is in such a rush and indeed, in fear after a few overblown attacks.
I noticed that I got used to zero social interaction after living here for a few years. Actually it gave me an idea for a post! Stay tuned…
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Hmm but then again so many people are strangers elsewhere, or should I say were strangers before social interaction meant they became friends.
Yes that rush to get somewhere must play a part alongside misplaced fear.
Haha I okay I shall!
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“London is a city which has a marvellous fear of social interaction”. It’s so unfortunate to the extents that this rings true.
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We all need to have a giant meal together 🙂
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Amen!
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