How To Avoid Unwanted Conversations

How To Avoid Unwanted Conversations

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Comments Written by Ian MacKenzie

Sometimes when traveling, it’s nice to strike up conversations with strangers. Other times, you just want to write in your journal, listen to your iPod, or rest your brain. So what do you do if the person next to you won’t stop talking?

Above are some humorous tips I found on VideoJug. Have some tips of your own? Share in the comments!

Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

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Comments » How do I get my photo next to my comment?

Comment by robmeyer — June 4, 2007

Funny video, thanks for the post. In South America, I have to spend a lot of time traveling on buses. It is very common for people to get sick on winding South American roads, so whenever I can’t get the person next to me to leave me alone, I act like I’m getting ready to vomit. I ask the driver’s assistant for a little barf bag, put it on my lap (ready to go), and make funny faces like I am constipated. The person next to me usually gets the hint and shuts up…

Comment by Jack — June 5, 2007

Noise-cancelling earphones do work pretty well!

I’ve also tried to recruit them to my (very small) cult - we worship fire ants by sleeping in their hives. Ok, so I was drunk on that flight…

Comment by ian mackenzie — June 5, 2007

haha, excellent suggestions all around.

Comment by miriam — June 5, 2007

I would just like to say that I found the above very useful. I personally employ the good old: don’t make eye contact in the first place, keep your stern - I have had the worst day of my life and may or may not be psychotic- look on your face, and if all else fails feign deafness. Going as far as pretending sign language is up to you, though I do not take any responsibility if the person next to you speaks sign language for real.