What a nice thing to say

I attended PAX this year with a Flip Mino video camera. At a convention, a lot of time is spent standing in lines. I decided that instead of waiting in lines in the exhibition hall, I would just interview women who were waiting in lines or standing about. When I did have to wait in line for panels or concerts, I interviewed or chatted with people around me. I received the following in an email from one interviewee:

Well just wanted to say it was nice to meet ya and you made me feel like I wasn't all by myself for at least a little part of the weekend. Thanks much! You're a pretty cool person.

People are interested in making connections, even if they're temporary. Both my father and sister are charming and I've always felt more socially awkward. They speak to strangers like they've been friends for years, and most people respond in kind. At PAX I decided not to be reserved, to engage people in conversation, and it worked out beautifuly.  I should use this approach more often.