Ask a stranger a question.Go on.Ask people things such as:"So,when did this bus get so busy?”“Have you always worn a hat?” They might answer by saying things such as, “None of your business,"but probably they won't.Instead,they'll say,“Well,it's been busy as far back as I can remember." Or, “It's not because I was going bald oranything,but because I love hats."Occasionally,the person you ask will use the opportunity to talk more, and before you know it,you'll have learned something of the essence of that person and,in some cases,heard things they haven't told anyone in years.
People don't usually go around telling strangers stuff, and that's why you have to ask them questions.When people start their answer,those first few exchanges reveal an ocean of information:where their grandparents' grandparents came from;whether they smoke and drink whisky;whether they prefer garlic or curry;and whether they are thankful that you asked or annoyed that you troubled them.If you are exhausted and can't bring up a question based on the person's idiosyncrasies, you can simply ask him about whatever is popular at the moment.This will cause an immediate reaction,and from there,you can ask him about pretty much anything.
After asking someone a question,you will feel good about yourself while making someone else feel good about himself,too.Typically,a question is returned with a question until the conversation takes on the appearance of two actors on a small stage.This sort of thing happens all the time.
Once,while walking down the steps of a subway station in Moscow,I passed a tiny man. Another tiny man approached him.They stopped and addressed each other. One of them extended his hand,and they began talking excitedly. I asked my friend what was going on. She said:“One man asked,'Are you Tajik?' and the other man told him he was.As you can see,they are very happy and surprised to have found each other.Can you imagine what might have happened if they'd just ignored each other?"
If you don't ask questions,you'll never have any answers.As a human being,you have the ability to find out why that sad woman in the grey coat passes by your house at the same time every afternoon,or where your new neighbor comes from.One by one,you'll drop these answers like pennies or stones into your coat pocket, and the heavier the pocket gets,the more proud and self-assured and alive you'll feel.You'Il feel as if you're an important participant in the activity of living.
What should you do if you have a new neighbor according to the author?
A、Invite him to dinner.
B、Talk with him.
C、Keep an eye on him.
D、Stay away from him.
【正确答案】：B
