The Paradox of Strangers: Why We Sometimes Feel More Comfortable Sharing with People We Don't Know

Have you ever found yourself sharing personal details or seeking advice from someone you have never met before? If the answer is yes you are not alone. Despite being taught to be cautious around strangers, many of us find it more to comfortable to confide in unfamiliar individuals rather than those close to us. Why is this the case?

You may wonder? One reason lies in social norms that often guide our interactions with familiar people. For instance, if we are experiencing difficulties with our partner. We may hesitate to address the issue out of fear of upsetting them or provoking an argument. Conversely, when conversing with a stranger, there are no preconceived expectations or established norms that dictate how the discussion should unfold. Consequently, this lack of expectation can make it easier for us to express ourselves honestly and openly about our thoughts and emotions.

Another argument is that conversing with strangers might liberate you by giving you a sense of distance and anonymity. There is frequently a worry of being judged or misunderstood while speaking to someone who knows us well. The pressure to live up to social expectations or conventions is less with a stranger. This can help us express ourselves without worrying about criticism or consequences.

Our inclination towards disclosing personal information to strangers is influenced by various psychological factors as well. Extensive research has established that people tend to divulge more about themselves when they perceive some form of similarity or connection during their conversations. There are instances where we might even feel a stronger bond with an unfamiliar individual compared to someone close because of common interest or shared experiences between them and ourselves.

Additionally, interacting with strangers provides the advantage of gaining fresh perspectives: Conversing with someone familiar might make us assume that we already know how they will respond or react. Conversely interacting with a stranger injects an element of unforeseen responses which can be pleasantly stimulating. It is likely that such interactions may offer new insights and previously unconsidered advice for our situation.

When speaking with someone we know well, its simple emotions and personal prejudices to cloud our judgment. Strangers, on the hand, can be more impartial. But the like hood of this happening with a stranger is lower. They can more objective and neutral in their recommendations because they don't have any previous views about us or our predicament.

Strangers can be less intimidating: When talking to someone we know well, there may be a power dynamic at play that makes us feel uncomfortable or intimidated. For example, if you're talking to your boss about a problem at work, you may feel hesitant to speak up because they hold authority over you with a stranger, however, there's no such power dynamic at play. This can enhance our ability to express ourselves and openly communicate our ideas, emotions and perspectives.

Strangers can provide validation: Sometimes when we talk to someone we know well, they may not validate our feelings or experiences in the way that we need them to. With a stranger, however, there's less of a chance for this to happen. They don't have any pre-existing biases or judgments about us, which can make them more likely to validate our feelings and provide the support that we need.

Of course, there are also potential risks when engaging conversations with unfamiliar individuals. It is of utmost importance to exercise caution and remain mindful of potential dangers. However, when approached with care and common sense, talking to strangers can be a positive and rewarding experience