Dinner with Strangers: The Night the Blue Hen Brought Us Together

“The Delaware Blue Hens,” my wife Jenn exclaimed as she pointed to the baseball cap on the head of the tall gentleman holding the door for us. “Yes, my daughter graduated from there,” he responded with a bit of excitement. “Our daughter is a freshman at Delaware now,” Jenn responded. And thus began the relationship.

This seemingly innocuous connection led to a dinner amongst strangers. At least strangers at the time. Jenn and I were in Manhattan for a night out. First dinner and then a Broadway show. As we reached for the door of the restaurant, the Blue Hen hat-wearing man opened the door as we walked in. He too was there with his wife. As we waited to be seated, we struck up a conversation. In less than five minutes we knew a great deal about each other. We shared stories about kids, hometowns, friends, interests, college sports, etc. Total strangers in the waiting area of a restaurant.

As the hostess came to seat us, she mistakenly thought the four of us were together. Just as someone in the group was about to clarify the dining arrangement, I suggested we just grab a table together, and we did. Two couples who walked in separately joined to share a meal together. A wonderful meal that led to a dynamic and fascinating conversation. A conversation that led to a follow-up email from me, which might lead to a longer-term relationship.

Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled, U.S. No Longer Ranks Among World’s 20 Happiest Countries. This was the first time that the U.S. fell out of the top 20 since the global rankings began in 2012. What was most disturbing about the study is that those under 30 years old are the country’s least happy age group. This age cohort came in 62nd in the world. SIXTY-SECOND!!! WOW!

There is ample speculation about what is driving the decline in happiness, but one compelling theory is that younger adults are spending less time interacting in person. I would suggest this theory is broadly applicable across age groups. Loneliness is becoming a common trait among many Americans.

Can’t Make It Alone is one of the core principles of LITSG. In a recent newsletter I talked about the importance of investing time and energy into building your social network. I talked about the importance of reaching out to friends and family. How about reaching out to strangers? When was the last time you engaged with the postal carrier, salesperson, barista, or crossing guard you walk by every day? When was the last time you asked someone a question, showing genuine interest in them? When was the last time you complimented a stranger or highlighted something they were doing or wearing or saying?

Jenn pointed to the Blue Hen and welcomed a couple into our life. We enjoyed dinner together and started a relationship.

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone today. Start a conversation with someone you’d usually walk past. You might be surprised at what you discover. Today is your day to meet someone new, welcome someone into your life, and have a meaningful impact on the world around you.

Have you ever made a meaningful connection with a stranger? I’d love to hear your story. Reply to this email and let me know!

Regards,

Scott