Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The Comfort of Strangers.

What is it about a stranger? 

I'm not talking about the one your mother warned you about, I'm talking about your hairdresser, the woman who does your nails, that person you're sitting next to on a plane, train, or metro.  The one who gives you a sympathetic look when your kid is having a melt-down at Target, or that person you spot reading your favorite book, or sharing the same obsession with online? 

What is it about a stranger that invites you to share your secrets?  Secrets you haven't shared with your husband?, your best friend, your priest, pastor, counselor.  What makes us do it?  

Why are they easier to share with, and your closest confidants are not?

If this resonates with you, tell me why you do it?