Would you randomly approach a stranger on the street? If so why? If not why not?

[thegreenyogi]

I thought I'd ask the opposite question to the one I asked earlier. So this can be you approaching someone to ask for information, it could be because you see that person in distress or simply because you like that person.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Yeah, isn't it normal lol?

A stranger for a reason though, like asking directions or asking for a lighter when I was smoking. Distress is tricky though, I would hesitate doing that if it was a woman because I'm a man, I'd feel better if my girlfriend initiated interaction, in that particular case. Liking a stranger isn't very realistic to me though, I don't think I'd find anything to like about strangers that would make me approach them, I'm just neutral.

Funny anecdote about approaches: During a trip in Napoli, as we were debating, needing directions, in the middle of the streets, there was that guy in uniform. He looked like police or something so I went asking him. He answered in French... This guy told me he detected I was French by looking at my facial expressions, from a distance. That was truly impressing, and hilarious, because we have this thing about spotting Italians based on hand movement. But I didn't conceive a vice versa would hit me one day lol

[Chazmatazz269]

We have to define “approach” for a complete and accurate response. Approach as in place myself next to someone i otherwise have no business being next to… highly unlikely, but i have done it. So it’s possible i might do it again.
I’m not terribly opposed to cold interactions. We do tend to find ourselves next to complete strangers as a simple matter of moving through life. I have interactions with strangers somewhat frequently, but i’m not going out of my way to make them happen.
I know what i look like and how i sound. I don’t approach strangers, particularly women, unless it’s very important and i feel like the consequences for not going up to them outweigh the potential consequences of doing so.

[Genie23]

I have done that. I did approach people who seem stressed or scared as if they are lost or they lost something and need help. I also approached few people for little assistance if I get a good, kind vibe dyon them. Not everyone is bad.

[itsannalee]

I once approached a guy (foreigner) on the street just because of a bet with my friend. He was so friendly and even asked for my contact 😂

[Friendlybro79]

I'm not shy. I will approach someone if they look like they need help or if I want to strike a conversation. In 2025, I have adapted to recognizing quicker, that many people today do not want to make small talk or talk to anyone they don't know lol.

I am saddened by this a lot but social skills and communication skills amongst many people nowadays is lacking. There are non verbal cues that are obvious signs that say don't talk to me so I won't but if I pick up that you're like me, making eye contact, say hi to a passerby, or just smile, I might strike up a random conversation depending on the situation. I've actually made two really good friends this way.

[Shiprex]

I'm not averse to asking people "on the street" but I'd tend to find a shop or other commercial premises and ask there.

If they're apparently in need I would assess whether I could help and offer if I thought I could. Although I've heard of scammers setting guys up especially to rob them with "damsel in distress" situations so I'd be wary if any woman alone seeking help.

[Zack-Bann]

Not “randomly”
But I don’t mind talking to strangers if the context calls for it


It does come natural to me to a certain degree

[msc545]

Hell no. That is a hazardous thing to do. If you do it to a woman, she is likely to falsely accuse you of something to see if she can get money from you. If you do it to a man, he is likely to punch you.

[exitseven]

If they were in distress especially if they had some kind of disability I would ask them if they needed help.

[DryGermanGuy]

„Excuse me… you got change for a hundred dollar bill?“
- Viktor Rosta, Red Heat

[Noodle_fan]

I used to do that , i will simply ask direction or stuff even i know it , if her body language tell me to leave her alone then i ll say good bye and leave.

[Arcadian222]

Yes if its a commercial place or restaurant or bar etc. Not on the street since everyone is on an agenda or going somewhere. Dont want to bother and get insulted back 🤣

[Staximus]

Maybe if they need help or I need directions or some shit but I'm not going to just approach somebody to talk to them for no reason

[Ayaan00001]

It all depends on me. If I want I will approach and vise versa

[Anonymous]

Not if it's a hot girl, I'm way too shy for that.

[Sunrising]

Yes! Why not?

[Sunrising]

If I need information I'm hopeful that a stranger will help me, and I'm readily available to help others should they require advice. Also if someone was in distress I would go to them to ask if they needed help. I sure everyone on GAG's would do no less.

[DrPepper12]

Of course

[WonderingManII]

I'm too shy.

[Pterodon]

I have many times

[nojdug76]

Yes I have

[Anonymous]

yes, why not