We teach children not to talk to strangers, because we’re trying to keep them safe. But I think it’s time to teach adults that it’s ok to talk to strangers.

I live in London, and it’s notorious for people minding their own business. And I get it. It’s busy, everyone is trying to go about their day and just be normal. But I want to remind people that it’s ok to speak to each other. And I don’t mean everyone should start making small talk for the sake of it, I mean, if you think of something funny, kind or clever, simply have the courage to say it.

They say strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. So if you think about it that way, your friends are probably nice, kind, funny people. (I know mine are). So if you reach out to someone and are vulnerable for a split second, most people will appreciate the effort and respond in a positive way. Yes, of course there will always be people who it’s safer to avoid, and as adults with life experience, we all know what to look out for. But in most cases, you should be fine.

At the end of Ricky Gervais’ Humanity stand up he talks about humour and how it’s something we use to deal with bad things in life. He goes on to explain that he and his brother have a rule that if you think of something funny, you have to say it — win, lose or draw.

This is something I try to do with my friend Beth at work. Any time we’re busy, under pressure, or in a meeting, if we think of something funny, we have to say it. Nine times out of ten, it may not land. But when it does, it’s brilliant. It makes your day, it makes someone else's day and then you get to go home and tell your partner how hilarious you were at work. What a gift.

My dad is a real people person. And I think I get my love of chatting to people and telling jokes from him. The other day I sneezed in the changing room at the gym (pre coronavirus). I turned to the lady next to me and said, “I must be allergic to exercise.” She smiled and said, “you and me both.” I didn’t have to make that silly joke, but I really enjoy those little moments when you connect with someone you didn’t even know you’d meet.

I remember reading an article last year about how engaging with people in your local community could make you live longer. It wasn’t about talking to your friends and family, it was about connecting with strangers. Taking the time to speak to your postman, your bus driver, your neighbour. And I completely agree.

During days where you have a regular routine. In and out of work. Same commute. Same people. Same places. It’s those little unexpected moments that keep life interesting. So I say, talk to your Uber driver, speak to the person next to you in the queue, spark up a conversation in a lift. Yes, it takes courage, but it’s worth it. You never know, you might make their day, you might make your own day! Don’t be shy. Speak up. Make a joke. DO talk to strangers.