My youngest son practices with a soccer team an hour away from my house. He’s starting his 4^th year with this particular team, so the drive and location aren’t new for me, but apparently that doesn’t mean I know everything about the area.

Searching for a place to stretch my legs on these hot summer mornings while the team has training, I stumbled upon a picturesque walking trail only a mile from the soccer fields. Though it’s in a very nice neighborhood, it was a new spot for me, and a girl can’t be too careful. The first time I trekked a few laps around the elliptical trail under the shade of tons of trees with a babbling stream cheering me on, I armed myself with a stick just in case someone jumped out of the foliage. I’m happy to report that I didn’t have to smack anyone.

Now that I’m used to the place, I no longer carry a weapon. The main reason for this change is because now that I’ve been doing this for almost a month, I have begun to see the same people (and dogs) over and over. The couple with the Collie. The man with the two tiny Shih Tzu. The family of four with two small kids in a stroller. The husband carefully walking with his wife who displays the familiar signs of dementia as he holds her hand and guides her slow steps.

Then there are the two friends who I pass regularly as they walk counter-clockwise (as a rule, I’m a clockwise walker). Their conversation is peppered with phrases like “Jesus does that…” and “Pray about this…” I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but their gracious words are “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6) and you know how a thirsty person needs those salty electrolytes!

Living in the South, we’re expected to greet one another as we pass by. Whether it’s “good morning” or “hey” or “how you doing,” it would be rude to ignore each other. But the question arises: Do I continue to say hello if we pass each other multiple times? What’s the protocol here? This is where I’ve landed—I usually just smile after the initial hello. That just feels right. I acknowledge them without forcing them to repeat themselves.

Since I’m a solo walker, I wonder if I will ever get into an actual conversation with these strangers. I’m an introvert who likes to have one-on-one exchanges with people. I’m not a fan of crowds or parties, but I do like to meet people and get their stories. If I got to meet you for the first time today, I know I would find you absolutely fascinating. Small talk is okay as an introduction, but I really enjoy getting down to the nitty-gritty.

I love this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King: “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” So, so true! It’s a lot harder to despise people once you get to know where they come from and what makes them tick. What are their likes and dislikes? What are their fears? And it can all start with a simple “Hey. I like your dog.”