“Strangers are friends you have yet to meet.” -Unknown
Since I live in LA and my family lives in Boston, I take long flights several times a year. During many of these flights, I read a book or watch a movie and disappear into my own little world of self-entertainment.
When I was returning from a recent visit, I found myself looking around at all the different people who I would likely not talk to during the flight, and then never see again.
We’d all share an experience together–and yet apart–and then move on with our lives, without making much of a discernible difference in each others’ worlds.
After I drifted off to sleep, I dreamed that the plane crashed, but we all survived on an island, somewhat like on the show Lost. Suddenly, we weren’t strangers anymore. We were all people who needed each other–who, over time, started loving each other.
Our sense of separateness disappeared as we realized our lives were easier when we worked together and looked out for each other.
When I opened my eyes I saw everyone differently–as if we were all connected. Then I remembered that we are.
It seems so trite to say that we are all brothers and sisters, but the truth is that we tend to form a lot of our closest relationships based mainly on proximity–meaning we could love entirely different people if we followed different paths.
Today if you find yourself surrounded by strangers, feeling tempted to shut down, remember: These are all people with qualities that you could love. When we see each other in this way and then act on it, even brief encounters can make a meaningful difference.
Photo by Akuppa
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Lovely post! I often think when I’m in my car about all the people behind all those wheels… Who are they? Where are they going?
I tell you what though, I hate nosey people who think everyone who is walking down the street wants to chat. But they are the opposite end of the spectrum.
I wish there were more people truly doing what you’re describing, and viewing everyone with love and respect.
I’ve always been shy, but lately have been forcing myself to break out of my shyness. In doing so, I’ve started opening up to people and realizing that we may appear different, but on the inside, we’re all the same. We’re all just want to love and be loved.
http://mbrsociety.org
Yes I think the same thing! I wonder what people are thinking, who they love, what they love, where they’re going. I always feel a lot happier and open when I see people with love instead of defensiveness.
Beautifully said. =)