Say you’re sitting outside at your picnic table at the campground. It’s just after dinnertime, still light out, and your neighbors are out on their evening walks. Picture it? Okay, good. Would you like it if those campground neighbors stopped to say hello and chat for a moment, or would you prefer that they moved on and continued walking? Maybe they’ll give you a wave, but that’s it.
Some campers love those little chats. A quick story about where someone’s from or where they’re headed next can turn into a new friendship or at least a pleasant memory from the road.
Others, though, prefer peace and quiet after a long day. It’s not that they’re unfriendly; they just value their space and the chance to relax without interruptions. Is that you?
And, of course, sometimes it depends on your mood. One night you might be up for swapping campground tips and stories, and the next you might want nothing more than to sip your drink and watch the sunset.
Have we become more isolated in campgrounds? Are we still just as friendly as “the good ol’ days”? What do you think?
After you respond to the poll below, please leave a comment and explain your answer. We’re curious to hear what you have to say. Thank you!
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- How often do you feel lonely?
- What do you do most nights after dinner?
- How often do you go for a walk?
- After settling into a campground/RV park, how often do you introduce yourself to at least one neighbor?
RVDT2734
I did not respond to the poll because it did not have an appropriate answer for me, which is neither yes or no. If they want to walk on by with or without a wave, that is fine with me. If they want to stop and chat, that is also OK with me as long as they do not want to chat about religion or politics.
Carl: I agree completely.
Walking by and saying hello is ok. If you want to chat about politics, I’m your man.
Agree. We stopped going to our regular winter RV park, as did half the other regulars, due to overwhelming chatter about – more like hate speech – towards their opposing party candidates. Enough.
I agree, except that I don’t really care what they want to talk about. Even if it is politics, religion, or whatever. If one listens to opposing views there’s always something to be learned…even if it’s just how others think and view the world. The key is to listen and refrain from a useless argument!
I admit that I answered yes very much for my husband. We are campground hosts set up on the entrance corner of the park. There is a one mile walking/biking loop that goes right in front of the RV. He loves to start a campfire, put out chairs and invite people over to talk! We have made lasting friendships with the people passing by.
Hope I meet you someday Nanci!
We enjoy a friendly conversation and meeting new folks. We have stayed in contact with some over the years!
Do not appreciate repeated lengthy visits during the entire stay.
We’ve really enjoyed meeting RV folks over the years and have even maintained several of those friendships. Usually the conversations are about travel – past, present and future, all enlightening, entertaining and educational!
A quick chat is okay. Longer than 10 minutes starts to get annoying.
I’m an extrovert’s idea of what an extrovert is like. For many years we had a sign that said, “Welcome! Come sit and talk cause the coffee is always on”. However it’s not as safe these days as even 10 years ago.
Unfortunately you definitely have keep the nogin on total swivel especially in today’s America
Everyone has a story, enjoy having light conversations, but if someone is clingy or overbearing, we will retreat inside briefly to reset our awning entertainment area.
We have met some amazing people and keep in touch with a few.
Thank you for the question, RV Travel! Generally, I find that more people stop for a chat when I am on our extension ladder cleaning our front cap and windshield after a day of smashing bugs, … er, … driving a few hundred miles. I usually don’t mind unless I am losing daylight and far from finished. Have a great week and safe travels!