Comments on: If You Are a Socially Awkward Nomad and You Know It…Clap Your Hands!

By: Earl

Earl — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:04:41 +0000

Hey Cailin – thank you for commenting! You know what, it actually worked. Ever since writing this particular post, I have really focused on speaking to as many people as possible that I come into contact with. And it really didn’t take long for it to become natural. I have now met several interesting people both at home and in Mexico where I am currently living just by saying hello and seeing where it leads. I highly recommend you trying it out, because I know exactly how frustrating it can be when returning home after some traveling!

By: Cailin

Cailin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:40:19 +0000

I love this post! It is so so true! I sometimes regret returning home after a trip, because I dread the awkwardness of people in cities where I am from and the clique-ness of them all with poor social skills!
I love your plans of what to do this time you return home, good luck with it, you might just inspire me to do the same!

By: Earl

Earl — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:23:22 +0000

Haha…which ones? There are so many unique styles to choose from!

By: Jonny | thelifething.com

Jonny | thelifething.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:20:39 +0000

Mate, I love the picture. Now where can I get some swimwear like that.

By: Earl

Earl — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:08:33 +0000

Thanks Jen! I KNEW that I heard someone else clapping!!

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:01:08 +0000

Great post Earl ~ I’m not currently a nomad, but can definitely identify….If You’re a Socially Awkward person & You Know It…Clap Your Hands!
Jen

By: Liz

Liz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:59:30 +0000

I think its just matter of having the right attitude… I’ve been traveling for 9 years and based on my experience, I could say its just matter on working on our empathy and focusing on seeing the positive side on every conversation. You can always learn a good lesson from anyone; you just need to keep your mind open so you give yourself an opportunity to make the most out of it.

Another important thing is: travelers have an important responsibility because thanks to their experience abroad, you can help others see things through your eyes, making them more conscious about real things that happen outside of their comfort zone. Share your anecdotes with friends or complete strangers, you might be able to make a difference in somebody’s life without even realizing it!!

By: Andrew MacPherson

Andrew MacPherson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:34:27 +0000

It depends on what I’m up for. I can dress the same way I described above and go to a country bar and get plenty of attention. If I add the kilt in with the above mix, I can stand out in most places pretty easily.

Sometimes it’s nice to just blend in. It’s definitely an interesting social experiment to just switch things up with an extremely different look and see how differently people respond. I’d recommend playing around with it.

I see your point on standing out just by being off the beaten path. That amplifies everything that much more. Interesting.

By: Derek

Derek — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:58:35 +0000

Andrew beat me to the punch (again).

When I’m a foreigner I get attention. I stand out. People approach me and are interested in me. I’m a rockstar.

When I get back to the States I blend in.

Try wearing something ‘crazy’ out and I’ll guarantee you’ll get the attention you’re missing.

By: Earl

Earl — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:06:39 +0000

Hey Jackie – That’s not bad for 5:30am! It is true, whenever I return from traveling, the last thing on my mind is pop-culture as I’m still processing the adventures and education that I just experienced overseas. And the longer that the traveling continues, the greater the gap between what concerns me versus what concerns others my age who have chosen a more routine path. As for always standing out as ‘awkward’, I say keep on talking to those strangers…those interactions are sure to be rewarding and inspiring for everyone involved.