Comments on: Breaking The Ice With Strangers: Hook

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:56:10 +0000

Nicely put. Yes, the “clean slate” aspect of it, with the novelty of the situation mixed in.

And it’s fun to reinvent yourself too – to try to make yourself more interesting to yourself. And someone who feels newly confident in themselves (not taken to the extreme of arrogance) oozes charisma and no doubt makes new friends much quicker and easier.

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:55:07 +0000

That’s it – when your default response is distrust, you might as well give up making friends. Innocent until proven guilty – *especially* the ones who look a big dodgy and shady to you.

By: @ccziv

@ccziv — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:56:21 +0000

I have to say as an American (and a frequent American basher!) it is very hard to generalize about us because we are such a multi-cultural population. Getting along with all kinds of people is a survival skill for us. What’s more, the people you meet traveling (international travel) are a small minority who may very well behave with confidence because, generally, they have known a life of privilege (only a small minority of Americans ever have the opportunity to travel abroad).

In any case, everybody craves connection. A warm smile and an open heart (not to mention being a good listener!) just opens the doors…

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:38:50 +0000

Sadly I know precious few Australians to make any generalisations, so I have to stick with Bill Bryson on this one: they’re warm, hearty, welcoming, intrepid, laconic and ever so slightly insane.

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:36:43 +0000

Thanks, Roberto.

You’re right – Brazil has the market cornered on charm, as you’ve just demonstrated.

Yes, pioneering. Confident. Striding boldly forward, saying “okay, let me have a try!”. This self-confidence can get a little out of hand at times (see: Twitter, social media gurus, average tagline of) but it’s still exciting and inspiring.

And not at all the British way at all. Here, we don’t like to blow our own trumpets, and are left waiting for someone else to come along and do it for us. Maybe we’re just lazy trumpet-players.

By: Mikeachim

Mikeachim — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:31:19 +0000

If I had to pick a phrase that describes you, it’s “Geronimo.”

Not because you have Native American ancestry, or are in the new season of Doctor Who (that’s his new catchphrase, apparently). But because you just go and do it. Even if you’re quailing inside (and, ooo, let’s say, changing your career and moving to Italy, to pick something out of the air at random – well, if you’re not quailing at that, there’s something a bit loose and whimsical in your brainpan).

I think we’re all shy and scared and reticent and a wee bit insecure, deep down. Particularly the aggressively confident and brash ones.

Perhaps the trick is to fake it – and then later, not forget that you’re still faking it.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:19:05 +0000

Great post, Mike, as always. I’m with Elizabeth, I always thought the Brits had the market cornered on charm. You yourself are quite charming indeed.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:36:03 +0000

Great post. I completely agree on the Act American advice! We met loads of friendly, confident Americans on our travels and want to be more like that ourselves. One thing an American pointed out to us was that Brits never introduce themselves- they’ll talk for hours before sharing their name, whereas Americans happily come over and introduce themselves straight off. It’s so true!

By: Sharon Miro

Sharon Miro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:03:00 +0000

I don’t care what anyone else says about you–especially that stuff I read on the wall—I like this–can’t wait for the rest.

Another American gearing up for solo travels… and since there are several of "us" responding does that reinforce the idea that we have more money than we know what to do with?

By: Elizabeth Collins

Elizabeth Collins — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:46:16 +0000

Acting American…that surprised me because I tend to think Brits are far more charming and interesting (with almost universal, from what I can tell, dry senses of humor). Anyway, as an American, I thank you. The only time I have noticed being American working in my favor (when abroad) was in Ireland, though, where being American suddenly made me immensely popular with young men. But that was a loooong time ago.

I have a British cousin who has this habit of always saying things are terrible when I ask her a question–e.g., “How are your kids?” “Oh, Elizabeth, they are beastly and dreadful!”

What’s that about? Is it a trying-not-to-jinx-self thing? That’s one Britishism I don’t quite get, though I suppose it is far preferable to showing off (the American way–e.g., “Well, Jane got accepted to Harvard and Billy is making six figures…”).

Love the blog–

Best wishes,

Elizabeth