I have many rules for myself.  One is that I don’t initiate conversations with a stranger in either an airplane or an elevator.

I made this rule when I was young because I was afraid to talk to strangers.  I never knew what to say and “Nice weather” seemed too obvious and too generic.  Small talk didn’t work for me.  It still doesn’t.

But always I like to reconsider my old rules, just in case they may not work for me today, and I suggest you do the same.  If you are aware that you have been o...