In England, a welcome packet for Polish migrant workers advises them that a good way to start a conversation is to make a comment about the weather. One BBC writer tried out this bit of wisdom and found that in ten attempts at starting a conversation, only one person refused to answer his climate comment. Yes, weather is a good way to start off a conversation, because it’s universal and no one can really be offended when you say, “My, it’s awfully humid out,” now can they? But really, this piece of advice can be extended a bit further. I tend to start random conversations with strangers just by mumbling some observation half to myself, and some people think I’m talking to them and respond, while others just look at me like I’m a crazy person talking to her invisible friend. [BBC]
