Is It Ok To Befriend A Female Stranger?

[GargosBigD]

Whether I’m on bus or train with her and happen to be seated next to her.

[Xeronema]

This is an odd question. Why would you want to just randomly make friends with a stranger on the bus/train?

If she's a complete stranger, the chances are you'll just make her feel uncomfortable. Most people that commute by bus or train prefer to keep to themselves.

[Xeronema]

My advice would be to not bother. You'll only make her feel uncomfortable. If you want to meet people, there are far better ways to do it.

[Buenchico]

It might well depend upon the culture in the area that you happen to be in. In London, for example, anyone who even permits eye contact with another person on the Underground is likely to be regarded as ' a bit weird'. In Sheffield, on the other hand, it's common practice to engage in conversation with the person sitting next to you on a bus or tram and I've no doubt that many relationships in that fine city have started out in that way.

[jno]

up to her. If she shuffles away from you, probably not. If she slugs you, definitely not. But you never know, she might be aching to have someone to discuss the weather with, or hoping someone will compliment her on her nice shoes.

[1ozzy]

I'd happily befriend a female stranger,,,than me.

[Xeronema]

Wow Chris, you must live in (or have visited) a different part of Sheffield to me lol, or my technique is terrible. Yeah, probably the latter.

[naomi24]

Yes - if she wants to befriend you. If she doesn't, forget it.

[barry1010]

I chat to anyone and everyone, it soon becomes clear if they are not in the mood to pass the time of day.
I don't expect friendships to develop but I do have one friend that I met on a train years ago and we discovered that we lived close to each other. Not a romantic friend, though

[rowanwitch]

You could probably chat to an old lady safely, but a younger woman might feel threatened. It might be different if you see a person on the same bus or train everyday. A smile after a few weeks, then if that is returned a brief good morning... Then see if she makes a move to carry on a conversation that's fine. But as Chris says probably not in London. She is likely to complain that you are pestering her even if you just want to be friendly.

[piggynose]

Over 30 yrs ago I remember seeing a girl on a bus I quite fancied, she only used the bus for 2 stops to go up a hill. Anyway few years later I saw in a pub I used to go to. I just casually went up to her and said id seen on my bus, we got talking and became an item.
So it wudnt hurt. But dont expect much.

[youngmafbog]

Not worth the risk these days.

[andy-hughes]

You need to be careful.

Start by smiling and saying hello, and gauge her reaction.

If she is frosty, leave it there, if she smiles, make some very general conversation and see how it goes.

Next time you see her, ask her if she minds if you sit with her, and again, judge if she is OK, or just being polite - if it's the latter don't bother her again.

It's all about reading body language, and being careful.

[Buenchico]

I just couldn't resist it . . . ;-)

[sandyRoe]

When you're an old white-bearded loon, as I am, a cheery good morning as you pass while walking your dogs might be acceptable.
You might eventually make a friend with a much younger young woman. But that's all.

[elliemay1]

How are you now sandy? I hope you're doing well

[sandyRoe]

Elliemay1,
Not so good. I missed the appointment I had with the addiction councillor this morning. I think I'm going to drown in a sea of white wine. I'm drinking 4 bottles a day at the minute and I can't see any way to stop.

[elliemay1]

Can you make a new appointment with the councillor, sandy?

[sandyRoe]

I've come to think the die is cast. I'm tired of my life and wondering, with all the drinking I've done, why is it taking so long to end.

[elliemay1]

I'm so sorry to hear that sandy. Didn't you talk about going in to rehab recently? Did you ever follow that up?

[Hopkirk]

Befriending a female stranger? It's the way it used to be done before Tinder and the like.