Talking to Strangers

We took the train on our way to NYC to see the musical The Great Gatsby. 

I love the train. 

It's a quiet time to catch up on emails and read the WSJ, 

just like in the good ol’ days of my daily commute into the city. 

All of a sudden, two young guys burst into our car and asked if anyone had a phone charger. 

My daughter’s friend reluctantly offered hers before I gave her the look don’t do it. 

This torpedoed us into a conversation with the two 20-something-year-olds who were headed to a Yankee game. 

They peppered me with questions - where am I from, are these my daughters, etc….

I am sad that my quiet peace is gone for the duration of the ride. 

Until the nice man sitting across from me interjects into our conversation. 

I am saved. 

I think he read my body language, which indicated that I didn’t want to talk to these guys. 

So finally the guys turned their attention to my daughters and their friends, and the nice guy and I had a long convo about family, work, kids, and our histories. 

He shared his background with me.

He grew up in the projects, first generation, and now he lives in a wealthy town in Fairfield County. 

I shared with him that when I visit CT, I sometimes can’t help but compare my status in life with my friends, which we both know is a significant source of people’s unhappiness.

He then gives me this piece of advice: 

Hard Times Create Strong Men, 

Strong Men Create Good Times, 

Good Times Create Weak Men, and 

Weak Men Create Hard Times. 

Wealthy folks will struggle to create strong men (women) because they have given their kids good times (comfort, security, and abundance), there is a risk of complacency and a decline in the very qualities that enabled its success.

As I think about this... I ask myself how to I get out of my comfort zone? 

How do I get my kids out of their comfort zone? 

How do we break this cycle of being too comfortable? 

Sometimes, it takes talking to strangers!

Reach out if you are contemplating a transition.

I have a better photo of the girls on Metro North,

but they would kill me if I used it in my post.

Thank you for reading!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide,

Tiffany@wealthengagement.com

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