We are taught from a young age not to talk to strangers. In my city, we navigate our lives wrapped in psychic armor. Headphones on, eyes down, avoiding contact. Unsolicited friendliness is interpreted not as kindness, but as a scam, a threat, or a sign of mental instability. Our interactions are increasingly transactional, optimized for speed at the expense of connection. This constant state of guardedness, while perhaps feeling safe, slowly starves us. It creates a world tha