I'm extremely shy AND introverted. I don't like talking to strangers or meeting new people.
But this one time, I had a job interview in DC and my wife and I were at a bar enjoying drinks/dinner. Out of no where this young woman sat next to me and started talking to me. I was extremely uncomfortable/awkward at first but she asked what I did and I replied that I'm a software engineer. She immediately responded with "I work for the Chamber of Commerce." This naturally triggered a conversation about software copyright laws and SOPA. It was the most enlightening conversation that I've ever had with a stranger. While we had different opinions, it was very civil and pleasant. My wife was jealous since I was talking to this woman for so long but it wasn't about her, it was about the conversation. I generally go out of my way to avoid these interactions but I was so shocked how it turned out, once I got over the anxiety of talking to a stranger.
But this one time, I had a job interview in DC and my wife and I were at a bar enjoying drinks/dinner. Out of no where this young woman sat next to me and started talking to me. I was extremely uncomfortable/awkward at first but she asked what I did and I replied that I'm a software engineer. She immediately responded with "I work for the Chamber of Commerce." This naturally triggered a conversation about software copyright laws and SOPA. It was the most enlightening conversation that I've ever had with a stranger. While we had different opinions, it was very civil and pleasant. My wife was jealous since I was talking to this woman for so long but it wasn't about her, it was about the conversation. I generally go out of my way to avoid these interactions but I was so shocked how it turned out, once I got over the anxiety of talking to a stranger.