How to Avoid Conversations with Strangers

Have you ever been standing in the line at the supermarket, riding the bus home or sitting at the doctor's office when a stranger tried to strike up a conversation with you? There may be several reasons why you don't want to talk to the stranger. Perhaps the stranger is asking personal questions. Maybe the person makes you feel uncomfortable or maybe you just don't feel like talking. Whatever the reason there are ways you can avoid conversing with strangers without being rude.

Instructions

1. Look away. If you notice that a stranger is staring at you or in any way appears that she may approach you simply look away. You don't want the person to think that you are observing him/her as well. The person may interpret your casual gaze as an invitation. Unless the person approaches you go on about your business and pay her no mind.

2. Look busy. Do something to make yourself appear busy even if you're not. Pick up a book or newspaper if any are available and act as though you are reading. Looking busy, preoccupied or uninterested is often enough to deter a talkative stranger.

3. Call someone. If you have a cell phone, use it to call someone and talk to them as long as you can or at least until the stranger gives up on trying to talk to you. If you are unable to use the cell phone inside at the location where you are step outside but remain in an area where other people are nearby. If the stranger follows you outside ask the person you are talking to on the phone to meet you at your location then go back inside the building.

4. Talk to someone else. If the stranger continues to try and talk to you turn your attention toward someone else and strike up a conversation with one or more people. The insistent stranger should get the message.

5. Tell the stranger in a nice way that you don't feel like talking. Be polite but firm. If the person is just trying to make small talk inform him that you don't mean to be rude. You could even make an excuse such as saying that you have a terrible headache.

6. Listen to music or a ballgame. Then when a stranger tries to start a conversation you can politely decline by stating that you are busy listening to music or the game. You could also simply say, "Oh, I didn't hear you." Then simply point out that you are actively engaged in listening to something else.

7. Walk away. The most obvious deterrent to a talkative stranger is simply to excuse yourself and walk away. In most cases this action is sufficient to end the conversation before it gets started. If it is not walk up to someone else, state the problem and ask for assistance. Most people will get the message that you don't want to be bothered but in the event that a stranger seems unusually persistent or even aggressive seek help.