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Mum was wrong. It’s good to talk to strangers
Making small talk with strangers can be a good way to beat the feeling of loneliness as one ages.
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A good way to reduce social isolation lies in the hands of Singaporeans themselves, says the writer.
ST ILLUSTRATION: MIEL
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It was 35 deg C in Perth and I was bobbing in the ocean at the beach in Fremantle, where the sea breeze was blowing cool air inland. The sky was blue. The water was crisp and cool.
I felt a sense of well-being. I also felt like talking to someone, except I was alone in the water. A woman in sunglasses was close by. She looked friendly. I made an overture. “You look very confident in the water,” I said.
