37 Comments
User's avatar
Savvy Avi's avatar

Bravo! Beautifully stated! And what an encouragement to other introverts (like me!) to step outside of their comfort zone and into authentic connection. 🥰

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Awesome. I'm glad that you liked it and that it gave you the motivation for more authentic connections. :)

Tawanna's avatar

This advice is true. I am an introvert as well and work retail. I force myself to make connections with people. It has helped me tremendously. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece ❤️

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

I'm glad that you loved it Tawanna :)

Shirley Identity Reframes's avatar

I just found my new fav substack. . .

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

So so lovely to hear this. I'm glad I'm adding value for you :)

The Quiet Arrival's avatar

That’s a nice exchange with a stranger. You’re absolutely right in regard to having dialogue with people to inform your writing. People inspire one another with new info and different ways of thinking. You actually inspired me to have a conversation with a stranger. Thanks for sharing this piece!

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

So glad to hear this. Hope you have more and more meaningful conversations with both strangers and loved ones. :)

ThatDamnCarter  -  TD Carter's avatar

What a stunningly human moment. That shift from 'spoiling' a daughter to the quiet distance of the college years is a transition so many parents dread. The tears in his eyes through the rearview mirror—that’s a powerful image.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Glad you liked it. :)

Sally's avatar

I learned this skill somehow late in life, it was always scary to talk with strangers, but I totally agree with you,not only for writers, for everyone, you learn about others, their struggle, their hopes, their version of reality that's is different than everyone else. Good read

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Yes, talking to strangers is scary. For some reason, I find it easy to do it in a new place while travelling. Maybe I'm more relaxed and free from the day-to-day worries there.

I'm glad you liked the post. :)

Mustafa's avatar

Awesome! Read this in a breath and am craving for more!!

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

There are more hahah. Details when we meet. :)

Mehak Nayani's avatar

This was wholesome to read! Thank you for sharing. As a writer, I can totally relate how conversations can change perspective and how deeply it can affect the way we see and perceive things.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Thanks for reading this Mehak. I'm glad you liked it. Conversations with strangers and getting to know them is what has stayed with me from the trip. :)

Ego Monica's avatar

THIS! is the summary of how to truly understand life. Different views causes exposure and inner sight.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Yeah. You’ve got to put yourself out there and try and connect to people (even strangers).

Human Anyway's avatar

"...a glimpse into how a real person holds multiple truths at once."

I've been experiencing this more and more, recently, especially with my partner. It's deeply revealing and almost painful. No real person is ever either black or white, they're a mess of every colour.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Absolutely. So many shades of grey.

Alex Tetarevsky's avatar

I LOVE talking to strangers!

Greg Styan's avatar

You got me at the pug

Tina Rahman's avatar

Oh yes — when we speak to strangers we tend to ask more thoughtful questions. That’s what sparks thought, ideas and further insight.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

It’s something about not knowing the other person that makes us more ourselves. They don’t have pre-conceived notions or biases about us, so we know they’re not judging us. And somehow this gives us space to open up and have meaningful conversations with them.

Fernanda Porto's avatar

Love this! As introvert myself, I truly admire those who can break away from that inertia and ‘hiding behind their phones’.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Awesome. I’m glad this resonated so much with fellow introverts. :)

Sahil Kumar's avatar

Being an introvert i can personally feel how tough that would be to step out of ur comfort zone to initiate a conversation , loved it .

Aarohee's avatar

lovely piece. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Psychology Meets Writing's avatar

Awesome. I'm glad you liked it. :)