They tell me how uncomfortable they feel around these unfamiliar faces.; or how they could not strike the perfect conversation with the only person they found interesting at the party. Such stories would amuse yet puzzle me at the same time, for these unknown faces have never managed to make me sweat much. I am the kind who initiates a conversation ranging from my thoughts about death to rainbow farting unicorns with a random person in the metro; or just walks up to someone to compliment them about how pretty they look or throw a sudden vibrant smile at a person crossing my path. For me, there is something very hopeful about someone you’ve never interacted with.
On an unusually not-so-cold day in November, I was tagged in a Facebook post titled ’Last Sign up Day for The Perfect Strangers Swap’. The word ‘stranger’ was enough to grab my attention and make me look up more about the whole concept.
Here’s a little all-you-need-to-know.
It’s a Project worked up by UK’s Oh Comely Magazine, twice a year. You sign up for it on their website (following their Facebook Page is advised). (The next swap starts on 25th May!)
After the sign up’s done, you’ll be asked to fill in some of your personal details. A few of my friends were a little anxious about sharing their address details with a complete stranger. If you find yourself in a similar dilemma, you could give your parent’s or friend’s office address to be on the safer side. Carefully choose whether you want a swap partner from the same country, the same continent or anywhere in the world. Check the courier rates before excitedly clicking on that ‘anywhere in the world’ option (You can thank me later). Also, you are asked to give a cheerful virtual note to your stranger wherein you can give cues to their curious minds on how to go about your package so that they don’t end up sending you the chocolates you’re allergic to. Within a few days, you’ll receive a warm note from your partner along with his/her details. Also, the project is only for those above the age of 18.
Sharing Some Feels With My Partner
Thank the Heavens! She Isn’t Allergic to Peanuts.
You’ll come across an ‘inspiration list’ of things which could be a part of your parcel, suggested by the Magazine’s team. However, don’t limit yourself to only these ideas. Use your own imagination and creativity to prepare the box; after all it should be a cherished personal experience. You’ll have to post the package before a given date. Next step, shoot! A little side note here- try not to look up your stranger on Facebook because it may ruin the whole experience. Correspondence over e-mails about little doubts would be lovely!
After all the sharing-the-details work is done, it might hit you that preparing the package would take days of brainstorming. Where could you possibly start from? What could you give them which would make them think of you with a subtle smile on their face? Some inspiration is a must have and may take a while to come your way. So don’t start panicking too soon.
For me, that lucky evening came and I knew where I would find the much needed spark – Connaught Place, the central commercial district in New Delhi. I love the harmony which connects every bit of that place. In case you have a few favourite spots, you could give visiting them a shot. Not to my surprise, I had to visit CP with a diary quite a few times. But something was different this time. I looked at the same shops with much more attention and excitement. I wandered into the hidden parts of the place. Everything in that place was suddenly full of possibilities. Possibilities that could make someone happy. Soon, I had a list of items I wanted to give her; not for how they looked but for the way they could make her feel.
I bring to you, my lovely readers, some snippets of my first swap!
A Quote Box carrying Glitter Covered Bulbs & Lamps, Owl Scarfs and Big Stone Rings!
(Photo Courtesy: Pallack Bhutani)
Within a few days of commencement, many people will start posting photographs of their packages and you could see these snaps by searching for #perfectstrangers on Instagram or Facebook. The photographs contain gifts beautifully wrapped in shades of yellow or pink, covered with feathers or ribbons, notes alongside each gift and a handwritten letter. Surely, they are a treat for one’s eyes!
So what are you waiting for? Christmas? Go and sign up for this wonderful Swap Project. Create a parcel full of trinkets and treats. Surprise someone. Be surprised in return. Find comfort in the embrace of an unknown entity. Find a friend in a stranger.
