On making human contact.

It’s too bad. That many, many people think of themselves as ordinary. When really, they are strange and fabulous. That is, if they think about it. I can pick out anyone. From a crowd. And in 10 minutes. Merely by quizzing him/her. Discover something strange.  And fabulous, too. Because every individual is unique. Different. Often without knowing it. That’s one reason why I am attracted to strangers. For the purpose of discovery. Of course, some strangers will clam up. They’ve been taught to not talk to strangers.  To be distrustful.  But I quickly introduce myself.  As a romantic idealist. A spiritual free-thinker. A political liberal. A lover. A dreamer. A writer. Which means I appear to be strange. But no longer a total stranger. Therefore, I invite the stranger to open up.  To talk freely. In a revealing manner.  Soon, the stranger is no longer a total stranger.  Having been magically transformed. Into a strange and fabulous acquaintance.  Maybe even worthy of friendship. Yes. Yes. Believe me. I have a strange and fabulous way of making human contact.  --Jim Broede