Okay, this thread possibly isn't going to change the world but if it makes you chuckle or gives you some hope in a time you feel a little lonely then it has reached its goal...

So, I am Swiss and I like a routine (how surprising is that). Therefore I do my grocery shopping on exactly the same day every week. Obviously, some other Swiss people like doing the same. That is why since I moved to Thurgau about five years ago, I regularly see that guy shopping with his kids. Last fall I started to go to the pool and sometimes happened to see him there as well. About two weeks ago we made a silent mutual agreement that it was appropriate to say "HI" when we meet

Today at the pool I ran into him again and guess what? Instead of doing what I would normally do (keep saying "HI" for the next two to five years) I went over to him, introduced myself and had a little chat

Now how shocking is that? If we keep going at this speed in three years we'll be exchanging recipes and cleaning tips

Or having an affair

WELL DONE YOU!

Now, if you will just wait for people to get off before boarding public transport, not cut in lines, avoid staring at people, stop leaving notes on peoples doors without ever hinting to them in person you have some kind of issue, then you'll be deemed normal anywhere else you go in no time.

Unfortunately, he seems to be married. But so proud of you, Lynette, that's my girl

You didn't go to the same school and you walked over to chat? You are a brave Swissy, good for you !!!

So, there is hope for me and the bloke in the garden centre

OMG, that IS shocking! How are you feeling? Do you need to sit down? Shall I get you a cool towel?

Here, sit. Take this glass of water. It'll pass in a minute.

Careful, you'll end up headlining in the Blick.

Obviously EF is corrupting you.

You must be Swiss too if that's the first thought you had... However, I have a feeling that's what hubby thought when I told him

I'll try my very best. Promised.

I know. I now know his name, his wife's and the ages of his four children. In return I told him my name, my kids' ages and waved around my hand with the wedding band on it hoping that he was realizing that I was just trying to be social and was not hitting on him

Thanks for your replies everybody. You sure made me laugh

Your "diplomatic" hand movement made me laugh...sooo Swiss. Have you tried this: " By the way, I'm not hitting on you". I find that avoids confusion. Otherwise he might interpret your waving as "verzweifelte Hausfrau, sucht.."

LOL You mean I should directly address the issue?! Are you crazy? -I can jump over my shadow at times, but I'll always stay Swiss

Off topic, but do swiss people wear their wedding ring on the left hand like us Brits?

They do.

... isn't that, like, you know, kinda of a requirement for having an affair?

made me smile, because things like that rarely happen outside of Switzerland (being proud of talking to stranger)..... someday I miss the chit chat about the weather in the supermarket but well it's Switzerland....

btw was he also Swiss ?

All smart people wear their wedding ring on left hand, left hand is easy to slip in to the pocket without being noticed and hide that thing called wedding ring

After making such an appreciable bold step you are thinking about exchanging recipes and cleaning tip?

As far as I know Brits never talk to strangers for fear of getting embarrassed.

I honestly don't see what the fuss is about.

No fair. You spoke in Schweizer Deutsch. Now try doing that in English.