Recently, there has been much talk about inequality and social mixing (Lack of social mixing is a symptom of inequality, not a cause; June 7).

But, before I proceed, let's step back and reflect on a time when we were meeting people for the first time in a social gathering and were being introduced to one another.

Were there instant mingling and sharing and deep conversations where people simply got on and interacted merrily?

The answer will likely be "no" for most people.

People open up and talk if they find someone with similar interests, with whom they share an instant liking or can get along.

Even if people from different backgrounds are put together, they will still regroup into smaller cliques because it is only human to open up to people we enjoy speaking to.

It has nothing to do with social standing, or whether one is rich or poor.

For example, smarter students will enjoy the company of those of their intellectual level.

If you disagree, then ask yourself if you have had deep and long conversations with someone who was not on the same wavelength as you.

Think hard, because the answer will say it all.

Florence Veronica Minjoot (Ms)