So, my job mostly involves talking to people and figuring out how I can help them, which I really like, but can sometimes be draining. For the longest time, outside of work I'd avoid "small talk" and trivial-seeming interactions.
However, this past year and even more so since I've started working as a fan photographer in a baseball stadium, I've been chatting with strangers a whole lot more and really trying to let people tell me what they know about things. For example, last night I got sushi and learned from the head sushi chef about toro and also the differences in color, texture and taste of different salmon. I also learned that his name is Sam and that he will comp sushi or sashimi if he wants to illustrate a point.
Anyway, talking to strangers: do you do it? If so, how has it added to your everyday experience?