even though my mom taught me not to, here’s why i’m talking with strangers.
i was dining al fresco with mom, dad, and sister E in sorrento, italy. the patio was packed, so it felt like we were at a table for 16 rather than a table for four.
dad paid the bill. the waiter grinned at the tip left. (they sure loved us americans.)
waiter: he’s a good man.
mom: yes, he is. we’re been married 40 years this year.
man from the table next to us: i don’t mean to eavesdrop, but i have to say, congrats!
mom: thanks!
man: *gestures to wife* we’re at 33 years this year!
mom: congrats to you too as well!
man: thanks!
and with grins wide from wine and long lasting relationships, we left.
Abigail Mumford 
Aww. You make me want to talk to more strangers. :)
actually, i took some creative liberties with this conversation. in reality, we talked for quite a bit, this was just the start of it, but i was so charmed by the length of the relationships in discussion that i had to post it here.
and hmmm, i just realized i wasn’t the one talking here. whoops! this should be “listening to strangers talk to my parents.”
Hahahha I was going to say that’s not exactly how it went… :) especially since it really ended with you enthusiastically! saying “and here’s to 33 more wahoo!”
:P
i was so happy for them! and i wish someone would say that to me because it means i’ve reached 33 years with someone. i can’t wait!
I love random conversations with strangers. Here where we live, we meet new people every time we go out on the water. And I mean, every time. Sometimes we have been lucky enough to cultivate friendships and other times we may never see them again. But you know what, kind words are always nice.
Now I want to go to Italy and talk to strangers.
now i want to go out on a boat and talk to strangers.