burroughs says..

I used to feel so alone in the city.  All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside.  Because how do you meet a new person?  I was very stumped by this for many years.  And then I realized, you just say, "Hi."  They may ignore you.  Or you may marry them.  And that possibility is worth that one word.

sometimes i find myself saying hello to strangers and asking them, "How are you?" as if i'm working -- when i'm not working but am simply in a public place.  

in my experience, the elderly are happy to answer and even chat.  young people just seem to be creeped out.  i'm not even a creepy person.  i guess if you start talking to a stranger who's around your age, he or she thinks that you're flirting or trying to pick him or her up.  i should just save my niceties for the elderly.