PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE STRANGERS PROJECT
These are e-mails I've received. Thanks for sending them.
I’m deeply moved by your project. I sometimes worry that cyberspace affords people make-believe-that-i’m-connected self-images. I think face-to-face is where it’s at. The ability of strangers to have a discussion, and look in each other’s eyes, is often cathartic. Strangers have told me things they won’t tell their children, their lovers, their friends. And I have told them such things. Perhaps when we speak to strangers, it is as if we are speaking to ourself. i think this is good.
I read some of the entries and I felt the emotion people put into their stories. This is an amazing project and I hope it travels far. I hope people keep reading and others keep writing their story. I will be here, reading these stories and enjoying the release of emotions in these articles. Hats off to you sir, yes the one that is doing this project. It gives me hope that someone actually cares for someone else. This man has created an interesting project and an opportunity for others to listen. Thank you guys for writing and thank you for reading this.
I ordered your book and it came in today—(Don’t) Talk to Strangers. I work on an ambulance, so I had plenty of time to dive in. I realized some things reading through. 1. Generally, people all have the same feelings at some point. No matter the details, nearly all the entries I read came down to either I’m really down and haven’t figured out how to fix it or I used to be really down and now I’ve figured out how to live. 2. Between PostSecret.com and the book, I’ve really learned to see things from other people’s views. We’re all human. I’m so much more laid back now. I’ve always tried to be nice to everyone I meet. Who knows who might end up one of my patients some day? But now… I am not only nice to them, I try to get to know them. I reach out. I love them—every last one.
Wow, I read this and got chills. I feel like it was something I wrote. Looking through your page, I realized we have the exact same view on life, and both have “Projects”. I made a group that I called “Project Rain” where we do things to make people smile.
-Krista
I just wanted to let you know that i think what you are trying, or rather successfully creating is wonderful. I myself walk around with empty journals and pens collecting stories or autographs or pictures from passers by. If for nothing else just wanted to say thank you for what I feel is a great outlet that people can turn to when they don’t know who or where else to turn sometimes a complete stranger with a friendly smile and an open canvas is exactly what someone needs. Other times its just all in fun. Either way just wanted to say that i really like what your doing.
PLEASE publish this. Seriously. It’s like… postsecret except ten times better. I’m hooked. It just makes me want to talk so much about everything I’ve been through, but I’m just so afraid.
I think you’re spectacular. It’s nice to be exposed to people in the raw, since most people, including me, find it hard to be able to say what they really feel without being ridiculed by society. I wish there were more people like you, or at least people brave enough to come out from hiding themselves.
-Aubrey
Okay, so I just found your website a few days ago through stumbleupon.com…and I thought this was the coolest thing ever so I am ordering your book for two of my co-workers and myself. One of them had heard about your book through some radio hosts a while back and was glad I found your website.
-Elizabeth
I think your Don’t Talk to Strangers project would be great to do with the military community. There are so many who need an anonymous outlet for our stories. I also feel that it would be a great look into a closed portion of our nation for many people who would otherwise have no clue as to the personal stories and emotions that drive those of us who fight.
Oh hey.
I saw you once, sitting outside of Espresso Royale. It was dark and it was raining, and you were sitting outside, sans umbrella. I saw your sign but I didn’t stop, didn’t want to stand in the rain, didn’t want to share my story.
But I do have one.
Sometimes when I walk to class, I think about the people roaming the streets of Ann Arbor, students just like me. How did they feel when they woke up this morning? Are their hearts hurting today? Why did they decide to wear those Ugg boots and leggings, to be cool or because they really think its a style? What’s their story? I think it’s great that you’re devoting your time to finding out. At the end of the day, people just want to feel loved, to feel like their thoughts are worth something, to feel connected. You’re connecting people.
I don’t really know what the point of this message is, to be honest. I don’t usually do this kind of thing, e-mail someone I don’t know because I think what they’re doing is important. There’s a first time for everything, right? I think what you’re doing is important.
Also, I too love the smell of old books. I’m confident we could talk for hours on this subject alone.
It’s pretty sunny out today. I hope you’re enjoying it.
-Jillian
I randomly came upon your site and love the concept and ideas behind all of your projects. The interest you have in people and communication is one I think most people have, but few act on. So kudos to you for having the balls to go out there and do what you want to do…that kind of courage is rare and I feel results in a lot of people stuck doing things they hate. Why be so unhappy during the one life we have to live?
I actually grew up in Michigan, felt really trapped, and made the decision to come out here to California for college. I knew no one; I was scared, I was excited. I’m three years into school and love it here. Looking back, however, I realized it wasn’t Michigan that made me feel so trapped; it was me. The way I acted, that need I felt to fit this image formed by the people I surrounded myself with. I still can’t figure out who I was trying to impress. California gave me the opportunity to, in a sense, start over. And while I still have absolutely no idea who I am or what I want to do with my life, it’s just a huge relief to finally be okay with that.
Anywho, just wanted to say hi and that I’m loving the projects. Feel free to shoot me an email. I too love talking/interacting with people, I’m fascinated by how different we all can be while at the same time, be so similar. At the end of the day, we’re all just pretty lost and confused in this crazy place looking for someone to share a smile and a good conversation with.
Peace 
-molly
I just stumbled on your site, and I have to say that it fascinates me. Everyday, I try to enjoy little things in my life and the world around me. I’ve always figured, “what’s the point of living, if I can’t find something to enjoy about every day?” I live for the little moments that just make me “feel”- there’s no better way for me to describe it. Some things in life that I enjoy: the crease down the spine of a book I’ve devoured several times, driving with my heat on, and sunroof open as the snow falls into my car (the contrast of hot and cold is almost spiritual), and finding out I share something in common with a stranger. I hope to hear about some of the things you enjoy soon.
-Ashley
I just wanted to say that I love what you’re doing! I think life is all about capturing and appreciating each moment for what it is, and your projects are great reminders of that.
Thanks for sharing, and keeping doing what you do!
:]
-Kristin
Hey
I’m german , living and working since 7 years in the USA. I came across your book-project a few days ago. I have to say I’m so thrilled with your idea. THIS IS SO GREAT !!
I’m very confident, that this will be a major success.
talk soon,
best
Gunnar
Just wanted to say i saw you today and tried writing my story… but decided to type it instead. I will email it to you soon. And I think it’s awesome what you do.
Hey! Are you ever collecting stories in the Chicago area? I’m a student at North Park, this little school on the north side. Don’t Talk to Strangers is such a great project. If you ever find yourself collecting stories in the Chi, let me know please!!! I’d be so interested in coming to help/hang out and observe. I wish you nothing but the absolute best.
Peace and blessings,
Liz
Hey,
I found your site a few weeks ago while browsing stumbleupon, and ended up reading every entry that there was at around 1 in the morning. It was beautiful. Every once in a while, you hear or see something that just gives you a great sense of connectiveness with the rest of the world, and this was one of them. This probably sounds really corny, but your project sort of gave me a sense of a deeper insight into other people. Anonymity gives you a chance to take a look behind the mask that people put on for society, and see what is is to be human. I don’t know. I just think it’s really cool that I can feel a connection with people that I have no idea of their identity. It makes it so that the inner thoughts given could be that of anyone. People your close with, people you pass by, people you’ll never even meet, or even myself. It really is an amazing thing. So I became a fan on Facebook so to keep up with the new entries, and it’s been cool. Anyways, there’s my two cents. Thanks for reading, and thanks for doing this. I think it’s really great.
-Leah
These entries are truly inspirational. It’s amazing how much we as human beings are all willing to share on a piece of paper and with complete strangers but keep so many secrets from those closest to us. Perhaps, if one person read them they would learn to be more open with themselves and in turn with others. This is one of the most beautiful projects I’ve seen.
Hi,
I’m Savannah.
I StumbledUpon your Don’t Talk to Strangers page, and instead of packing my luggage like I should, I read every single story that was listed. I giggled, and I sobbed, and I came to the conclusion that I need someone just to talk to. Someone who doesn’t know me, who I have never met, who is just there to listen and to share stories of their own. Maybe that could be you.
