It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025)& you may have q's.
1: Why should I do it?
Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.

On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic!

#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.

Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age.

#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.

Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people.

#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.

I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is:
- vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs
- serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment

#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...

People with dogs are especially easy to talk to, so this is dog week.

I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons.

#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

On a walk in the Lakes, I included a couple in a photo, to give perspective. I caught up w them later & offered to send them the pic. When I did, they sent one they had taken of me. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...

At a katsu restaurant in Tokyo, I used a woman's Cath Kidston bag as a convo starter. She likes Great British BakeOff & its cutaways to cute animals, so I showed her this lamb vid that I took shortly before my travels. She offered travel recs. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

I chatted w a couple who were finishing the last legs of the 100-mile South Downs Way. They hit the jackpot w the weather this weekend! I asked: What's your next challenge? We shared faves & I've added the Cairngorms to my wishlist. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

At a service area w a beautiful lake I met a couple who had broken down nearby & were waiting for a tow truck. She joked about buying some wine at M&S if things went downhill. I offered hugs, which were initially declined & then accepted. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Academic friends: I think a miracle has occurred? I received a review request yesterday, and when I went to respond today, I got this message. I was going to say yes, but I’m very glad I don’t have to!

Brighton too! 🍀

On a walk today:
Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)?
Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London.
#Talking2Strangers