Is it okay for me to make small talk on the bus?

Question

I hear that in New York no one talks to each other on the subway, and that in this way the city with the most people can be the loneliest place. I find myself in a bus pretty often, writhing in in silence for half an hour to an hour or so. Everyone else just looks at their hands or out the window so it's pretty difficult to even establish any eye contact. Do everyone alienate themselves on purpose? Time passes slowly on a bus, and it'd be nice if I could make good human use of that time to connect with someone, if only for that moment.

Answer 1

Sure it's okay. =) You will catch a hint if they really arent in the mood to talk though. Positive conversation is usually welcomed...nobody wants to hear gripes (most dont anyway).
Just be careful...there are some bad people out there who look like nice people, but arent.
Bring a crossword puzzle or a book to help pass the time and JUST IN CASE after a few exchanges you find out that you accidently chatted up the wrong person.

Answer 2

When I was in New York, I made conversation with several people, but that might have just been because of my random accent.

But, that doesn't mean you can't make conversation. Talk about the weather. Compliment them. Ask about a book/newspaper they're reading. New York is a city that is very set in their ways. It may take someone tired of the isolation and just looking for a split-second of conversation to change all of that.

Oh yeah, and remember to smile!

Answer 3

I used to commute to and ride the subway in Manhattan all the time, and I'd strike up conversations if I were in the mood...people appreciated it. You can make someone's day by starting it off on the right foot, with a pleasant conversation. People in NYC are a tad defensive but if your overall expression and demeanor is friendly and non-threatening, I'm sure anyone riding your bus would love to chat with you. Many times I'd see the same person the next week, and waddya guess? Smiles and conversation!

Answer 4

I do it all the time
of course I pick who I speak to
and honor the feedback of anyone not wanting to converse

I even have "dinner" pretty occasionally at the house of a 76 year old widow that I first met by engaging her in conversation on a bus and her grandson has also become a friend

Answer 5

You have to take your cues from the person whom you attempt to initiate conversation with. Some people would be happy to talk and as long as you keep your conversation level at a reasonable tone so that you are not disturbing other passengers then that's fine. If the person seems like they don't want to talk then you should drop your attempts at conversation with them.

Answer 6

I don't like it, and it doesn't seem to be okay.
If you're on a flight for several hours you can try, but don't expect people to be all chatty with you. Some people just want to be left in peace.

Answer 7

I think it is perfectly normal to try to make small talk, but most people seem to want to be left alone

Answer 8

No. I don't want to connect with a total stranger.

Answer 9

i would talk to people, but if they seem like they are thinking or daydreaming i would leave them alone. if someone is just sitting there, alone, but not appearing to be preoccupied i would go talk to them.

Answer 10

i think its okay, as long as you don't persist with conversation attempts that are unwanted. sometimes it is nice to talk with strangers, especially ones you see everyday.

see what happens.