When I was in my 30’s, I was in the wine section of a supermarket, and a guy asked me for help with choosing a bottle of wine for his friend.

The same thing happened again just yesterday, this time, an elderly woman wanted my opinion on Chardonnay versus Sauvignon Blanc.  She definitely picked the right person to ask – I can’t stand Sauvignon Blanc!

Back in the day, before people carried mobile phones, I was often asked the time or for directions.

Once I was in a queue and a man started talking to me about a recent America’s Cup race.

Another time, a woman commented on the food I was buying for my cat.

Walking along in Howick village, a man walking towards me with his little girl made eye contact with me, stopped, and said, ‘Do you remember Pick-Up-Sticks?’

I said, ‘Yes.’

Man looked at his little girl and said, ‘See, I told you they are a thing!’

Said to me, ‘Do you think they still make them?’

I said, ‘Yes, I saw them at Kmart the other day.’  (I actually had!)

Before continuing on his way, the man said, ‘Cool, that’s awesome! We’ll get some! Thank you so much!’

Yep, feel free to stop and ask me whatever you like, because I'm here for you and I know about everything!  (Okay, I’m being a bit sarcastic now.)

I’m regularly asked things by people from all walks of life, all genders, all ages.

It’s not a pick up, because I’m often with my other half. 

Interestingly, they don’t ask him; it’s always me.

I went to IKEA NZ with him for the first time last week. 

Browsing in the dinnerware section, a man asked me for help choosing plate colours for his new motel (I actually enjoyed this, because I adore interior design and shopping!) 

The motel-man had narrowed it down to two colour options, but couldn’t decide.

I asked him about the motel’s décor, so he whipped out his phone and showed me pictures of the rooms.  My other half had long since wandered off and left me to it!

I get random compliments, too.

I’ve been stopped in the street a good many times over the years by women asking where I got my handbag (carrying various bags, not the same one every time).

A young woman in Farmers said she liked the way my hair curled.

A guy serving me in a clothing store said he liked my eyes.

A guy in Rarotonga said a similar thing, although he asked if my eyes were real!  WT..?!

Lovely comments and questions about my perfume happen relentlessly.

The other day, I dropped my sunglasses, and before I could pick them up, a woman (older than me) swooped in, picked them up, handed them back to me, and said, ‘I love your shoes!’

Compliments are always nice, but it’s not about that, I’m more intrigued that people feel they can talk to me!

It’s random, it’s spontaneous, and it’s unexpected.

I’m a bit of an introvert, so I never start these exchanges; it’s always other people who do.

And I certainly don’t go out of my way to make eye contact with people.

I guess I must look approachable.

Does this happen regularly to anyone else?

I’m not talking once in a blue moon; I’m talking 8 out of 10 times whenever-I-leave-the-house regularity...?!

Just me?