It’s a funny society we live in. We teach our children not to talk to strangers, yet when they are little, we often encourage them to say or wave “goodbye” to the friendly checkout clerk.
This hit me the other day as I was commuting into New York City to meet with the distributors of the Farmers’ Almanac. While I get to the “Big Apple” several times a year, the amount of people walking the streets of this large city always amazes me. Years ago, I was told not to look anyone in the eyes when you were walking in the city, to do as the New Yorkers do, and not engage in any type of communication.
As I got on the subway to head to my meeting, an older gentleman said something to me and I walked on by. For some reason I had a weird feeling that he wasn’t friendly and remembered the age-old rule “don’t talk to strangers.” But then I felt bad, perhaps he had a question that I could’ve answered …I’ll never know.
On the subway, many people were plugged into their phones or iPods, minding their own business. No one shared a smile or met each other’s eyes. The only person who seemed to ignore the age-old “don’t talk to strangers” was a young rider who felt the need to share what he called his poetry, out loud, to a captive audience.
It was an interesting revelation that I came to as I left the train, and headed back up into the streets of New York. We’re taught to not talk to strangers, yet to be polite and to not turn a blind eye to someone in need, yet how do you know if someone is in need of something if you don’t allow yourself to look that person in the eye or talk to that person… no wonder that TV show that exposes how many people walk away rather than stop and help when something seems amiss in a real life situation catches many of us by surprise – we think we wouldn’t do that, but then again, would we? The don’t talk to strangers rule can be slightly confusing.
Sandi Duncan is the Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. 
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
3 comments
it is confusing sometimes when you are little your parent tell you to say hello or good bye but then they say to not talk to strangers every body is a stranger in new york city do not say anything to strangers no matter how nice they look they could be a criminal no body is your friend
How very sad to read your post. I had no idea that any one on earth felt so reluctant to communicate with other human beings. That people have become so insular is a tragedy of our time.
It also indicates that the break down of trust encourages suspicion and secrecy………….Is there any wonder that gang mentality exists if we are actively avoiding direct communication?
The kids are only reflecting their insecurity and need for ‘back up’ troups…….. It is almost a silent acknowledgement that the magic of life has been drained from each and every one of us and replaced with a desensitised robotic acceptance of a throw away society. Time to rethink and reflect on what life has become. Also time to start appreciating that all life is worthy of respect and wonder. The rest will follow if we want it to.
I visited New York and met some amazing people who invited me into their homes and lives for a brief time. How happy am I that I have never viewed any one with such deeply entrenched feelings of suspicion ? To be discerning is wise. I’m so lucky to enjoy and not be afraid to communicate with people. I actually enjoy it!!
I remember back in the 60s when I was a little kid everybody was so friendly, you could trust anyone. People were just so nice to you. Nobody cared if they didnt know anyone, they talked to eachother like they were bestfriends.. I miss the good ‘ol days! Fast foward to the 90s and you notice people have gotten a bit rude, well goodness! This isnt the “Brady Bunch” anymore. If i come along to a nice person trying to start a conversation with me well of course I’ll talk to them. I dont follow that rule because i just like talking and I dont know when to be quiet lol!! I like talking to people who live in my hometown or atleast near there but If I went to a big city like New York, I’d feel a bit weird so Im in total agreement with you
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