Do you like it when strangers try to speak to you in public?

[holtridge]

I don't like it. I find it invasive. Strangers don't try to speak to me in public as much as they used to. Do you have any bad experiences with people trying to speak to you in stores or at a public place of business? Thank you.

[Progressive Pessimist]

Only if they're hot.

(Half-serious)

[Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian.]

Not really. It's not so much in the culture in the Northeast, even in rural areas. It can be nice some of the time when it does happen, but it takes some getting used to, especially when I travel to places like the Midwest or the South where it's more customary.

[It’s so Joever]

I don’t mind but I do feel awkward. That being said I admire people who can just do that without fear.

[Upper Canada Tory]

I don't like it. I find it invasive.

If so, you would fit perfectly in Canada. Canadian culture is very private and reserved. A stranger speaking to you is extremely unusual here. Unless they're asking for directions or they bumped into you and are apologizing or something, strangers coming up to speak to you is not normal. Most people would get creeped out at that. (Including me, I hate it when strangers talk to me)

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Usually not

[Santander]

I'm okay with the Americanism of saying hello to strangers, but actually chatting it up is reserved to strangers I'm paired up with on the golf course.

[Frodo]

I don't mind it -in fact, I rather like it. It is just something you get used to living down here.  

[Rand]

I like it more than when strangers try to stab me in public.

[Mr. Smith]

More than opposite of the creepy, quiet Nordic stare and anger when just asking for help with directions.

That said, context is key.

[Ferguson97]

It depends on the context, but usually it’s fine.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Read the question wrong , I don’t mind given I was the type of person who would talk to random people  as well.

[𝕭𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕸𝖎𝖓𝖔𝖑𝖆]

This never happens.

[Sir Mohamed]

Depends on who exactly, in which manner and on subject. Usually I enjoy having good conversations or talk to strangers as long as the tone is right.

[ProudModerate2]

I don’t mind but I do feel awkward. That being said I admire people who can just do that without fear.

What do you mean by "fear"?
Why should it be fearful?

[Vice President Christian Man]

I wouldn’t say I dislike it, but I’m usually caught off guard since it’s rare in my part of the country. Once I get past the initial shock, I’m fine as long as they don’t try to ask anything personal.

[It’s so Joever]

I don’t mind but I do feel awkward. That being said I admire people who can just do that without fear.

What do you mean by "fear"?
Why should it be fearful?

It shouldn’t be but it is.

[Santander]

I don’t mind but I do feel awkward. That being said I admire people who can just do that without fear.

Admire good conversation making or ability to socially engage with "strangers" at a party or business event, sure, but there's nothing to admire about harassing people in public while they go about their business. (or worse, doing it for social media "content")

[TheTide]

90% of the time, it's people asking for directions (smartphones apparently haven't rooted that out, and it isn't always older people who ask) or short people asking me to get them something from one of the upper shelves in the supermarket.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

My entire career partly involved speaking with strangers, a/k/a potential new clients.  It doesn't bother me a bit.

[Mr. Illini]

It depends where I’m at. If I’m stuck with the person for awhile (sitting at the bar, on the train) I don’t mind at all. If it’s just a fleeting interaction (in line at the store, passing on the sidewalk) I’d rather just get on with my day.

[HillGoose]

no, what if they r trying to feed me to the soul stealing machines

[retromike22]

No, leave me alone, I am busy.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Yes,

I have a customer based business on the side, so talking to strangers is a key attribute for success.

[Del Tachi]

Y’all ought to come down to New Orleans sometime, baby.