I like talking to people. It makes for a nice way to pass the time, some new insights, and a nice story to tell. Plus, train commutes are public, so no one is likely going to try something suspicious. It's a perfect way to spend an otherwise boring commute!

What are your thoughts? Elaborate, if desired.

Other. I like looking at the world go by when I'm on a train.

There you go, Devlyn! Happy pondering. 

Look at the poll! 100% of people see it my way!

Oops, I forgot to vote. Anywho, I like talking to people. It makes them smile to have a nice conversation, and that's enough reward for me. 

I'm rarely on a train, but I'll talk to anyone I run into, anywhere. I probably don't have to tell you, some people just give you funny looks or ignore you at that point.

That's too bad. I do get funny looks, but mostly because it's weird to have a person talk to you in NYC. 

Once they get over that, it's all peachy keen. 

Frick no. I'm way too flippin shy and if random people talk to me I get nervous.

If I'm with friends I'll talk, but otherwise I'm that person staring out the window while listening to music (I do this on busses, too)

My only real experience with trains stateside is Amtrak's California Zypher, Late For Sure Lakeshore Limited, the San Joaquin, and the Capital Limited along with some time on the NEC.  I LOVE chatting with people in the dining car.  You show up, some other people show up, and hey!  Dinner buddies!  I think it's one the best parts about traveling by train.  Even when I looked like a boy I felt this way.

Quote from: ~RoadToTrista~ on February 05, 2013, 09:00:55 PM
Frick no. I'm way too flippin shy and if random people talk to me I get nervous.

*Puts on therapist glasses*... And why might that be so? 

Quote from: Misato33 on February 05, 2013, 09:22:52 PM
My only real experience with trains stateside is Amtrak's California Zypher, Late For Sure Lakeshore Limited, the San Joaquin, and the Capital Limited along with some time on the NEC.  I LOVE chatting with people in the dining car.  You show up, some other people show up, and hey!  Dinner buddies!  I think it's one the best parts about traveling by train.  Even when I looked like a boy I felt this way.

I would LOVE that! Dinner buddies! I never went on a luxury train like that. I came to the US by boat. 

Quote from: DianaP on February 05, 2013, 09:25:28 PM
*Puts on therapist glasses*... And why might that be so? 

I have a social anxiety disorder.

Well, that's too bad. It's really fun to talk to people. What exactly scares you about talking?

Mostly that I'll say something that's incredibly awkward and they'll think I'm weird or whatever.

I read manuscripts with my music on during my commute. I wouldn't object if someone wanted to talk to me, but I'm not sure I'd notice. Too busy. I have a 40min commute so... Wasting 80mins a day would be horrific.

Quote from: ~RoadToTrista~ on February 05, 2013, 09:43:26 PM
Mostly that I'll say something that's incredibly awkward and they'll think I'm weird or whatever.

There's a good kind of weird. Heck, look at your avatar.  Be yourself. The worst that can happen is that the person walks away.

Quote from: Sarah7 on February 05, 2013, 09:51:26 PM
I have a 40min commute so... Wasting 80mins a day would be horrific.

One of the reasons I prefer to commute by bicycle. I feel that sitting on a train is a waste, whereas riding is fun and gives me exercise. Then again, it's nice if I have a good conversation, because I had fun on the train. 

I have never talked to a stranger on a train in my life and if I ever move to somewhere where I have to take a train daily then I wouldn't be starting.  I don't do so well with strangers.  I much prefer to be able to look out the window and be left alone.  It doesn't help I get motion sick so I'm no fun on a train anyway.

How about NOPE.
Clear difference with some people in cases like these. Finns don't talk to strangers unless they really - I mean REALLY - have to.

A fine way to avoid that is to listen to music so loudly people will realise and think "oh, he ain't gonna hear me anyway" and stare out of the window or read a magazine.
Besides, I prefer to be left alone in a train mostly because I usually have to take on so early in the morning and I'm like a bear who's been shot in the butt. Not very charming company in other words.

I have had a few people talk to me. I don't really mind it, but sometimes it's awkward because I don't understand their accents and then I feel so bad.

A sign from the London Underground