Stranger Danger

Opening Up to an Outsider
Noureen Ben Halim

For many people, talking to strangers, and being open to them on the first encounter is unusual. The idea that a person can talk to an outsider and be comfortable enough to tell them about their life during the first hour they meet, threatens many people’s privacy. But for only a number of people, it is very normal to do so.

An instance that happens every day: When person x meets person y on the way home from work. Person x is very stressed out and is dealing with a lot of problems at home and at work. What is bothering them even more is that they have a hard time discussing their problems with family or friends because they are afraid of being judged. Person x and person y happen to be sitting in seats next to each other. Person y comes off as very friendly. They exchange greetings, maybe talk about the weather, and then start to converse about more important things. Person x gets the feeling that person y cares about what they have to say and will not be judgmental. They are at ease, and soon, they start talking about their problems. Person y asks person x where they live, and person x feels it appropriate to say where. They might even exchange numbers. Person x believes that person y is trustworthy, just another passenger on the bus, and there is no harm in giving the number. Person x says goodbye to person y, gets off the bus, not knowing person y’s dangerous intentions.

Person x has just made a BIG mistake. Talking to a stranger is safe only if you keep ALL your personal information private. Person x gave away their number, and home address. Person y could easily find person x’s whereabouts. Like person x, people often feel comfortable around strangers because they feel that they will not be judged. Unfortunately, this could result in a crossing of personal lines. People should be well aware of this and should take precaution. 1) Meeting a stranger and having a conversation should be minimal. 2) You should never give out personal information to someone you have just met. 3) You should never accept an offer such as a ride home from a stranger, even if the location is very near. There is no way to know who this person is. 4) You should be aware of your surroundings and what you say and how you act. It is particularly important nowadays to be cautious and alert. Choosing to open up to an unfamiliar person is like giving them the key to your world, you will never know how or when they will use it to get to you.