by Lenny Guckenheimer (pinch-hitting for Caron Schwartz, who is on the injured roster due to a broken wrist)
We all have had this situation: We are walking along and someone we know sees us, waves, says “hello,” and begins a conversation. Comedian Larry David describes this encounter as a “stop-and-chat,” and regards them as intrusions. (See this “Curb Your Enthusiasm” clip http://bit.ly/3TuU82Y.)
In contrast, my partner, Caron, has made the stop-and-chat an art form. Of course, we talk with our friends when we see them on the street or in a store, and usually the conversations will last less than a minute. For a stranger walking by, we may acknowledge them with a nod or a “good morning” and walk on. No conversation involved.
However, Caron will find a way to engage a passing stranger in conversation that could easily last several minutes. She’ll notice something interesting about them and begin the conversation, often with a compliment like “nice shoes” or “love your hat.” Everyone loves a compliment. And so the conversation goes … and we run out of time. Then we go our separate ways, each of us feeling good.
I have not known anyone else who does stop-and-chats the way Caron does. Most of us are shy and feel uncomfortable talking with strangers. Children are taught stranger danger. Caron claims to be an introvert. But she genuinely enjoys talking with people.
I have started to categorize Caron’s stop-and-chats. The conversation should be more than “Hello, how are you?” Basic categories include dog-owners, parents with small children and babies, someone with eye-catching jewelry, etc. No matter the situation, people enjoy stopping and chatting with Caron. I’ll bet that even grouchy Larry David would enjoy stopping and chatting with Car