A lot scares me in life, but nothing scared me quite like having small talk with a stranger.
The thought was absolutely terrifying. I would have honestly preferred running from a demonic monster in a horror movie than discussing the rainy weather with a complete stranger.
But that was months ago.
Now? I can talk to anyone about anything.
If you get in my car and you pop some headphones in, or your body language says that you clearly don't want to talk, great! I will get you to your destination safely and not force a conversation. Some people love when their driver is silent the whole time.
But if you want to get in and talk about zoo animals? The upcoming hurricane season? Places to eat? Football? Yes, I too wonder what causes a rhinoceros to have such a large horn. Yeah, I really hope we don't get any major hurricanes this year. That restaurant is great! I know, the Saints should have gone to the Super Bowl!
Practice makes perfect, and I am now great at making small talk.
I love meeting new people. I love hearing their backgrounds, their stories, and their dreams. Some make me laugh, and some make me want to cry. Some become your best friend for 15 minutes. Some are so rude, you just can't wait until they get out of your car, but those make the nice people seem all the better.
I enjoy being a character in their story, even if I am there only briefly as they're going to work, visiting a friend, or just enjoying a vacation. Often I am one of the first locals that someone from another state or another country meets after they leave the airport, and I like to give them a good impression of my city.
I also enjoy driving most drunk people home safely. I enjoy their often hilarious stories, and I like to think that I am doing a great service by driving, so they aren't tempted to get behind the wheel while under the influence.
I thought I would hate driving strangers. But as it turns out, I absolutely love it.