A few weeks ago, I approached strangers around Melbourne University and asked them questions on their life. It was a beautiful day and hearing the stories behind different people was amazing. I think it’s one of my best videos yet.

My biggest surprise that day though, was that people are often really willing to have a chat.

When you see a stranger, it’s easy to assume they’re preoccupied in whatever they’re doing. Yet, many times that day I found myself surprised at how friendly people were. People who looked busy on approach responded to my invitation with curiosity and excitement, rather than a swift rejection. There was one gentleman who was eating lunch and who I felt guilty for interrupting; he ended up asking me to send me the raw footage for his grandkids. Even my barista, who I’ve found a little intimidating for a while, said yes with a laugh.

I guess we know a lot less about strangers than we think. Which makes sense, of course – they’re strangers. But there’s a beauty behind every individual, should we only give them the opportunity to show it. Perhaps more than we think.