What to say to a stranger: six situations

By the Murlune team · Updated October 31, 2026

Knowing what to say is easier with an example in front of you. These are made-up scripts, not rules, so change the words until they sound like you.

Each one has a way in, a way to continue, and something to avoid. Any of them can end after one line, and that’s fine.

Beside someone on a late bus

Way in: “Long day?”
If they answer: “Same. I’m heading home from a shift. How about you?”
Avoid: asking where they get off or where they live

When someone nearby is crying

Offer once, then respect the answer.

Way in: “Sorry to bother you. Are you okay, or would you rather be left alone?”
If they say they’re fine: “Okay. I’ll leave you be. Take care.”
If they want to talk: “I’m not in a hurry. Do you want to tell me about it?”
Avoid: touching them, telling them not to cry, or asking for details

Sharing a table in a busy café

Way in: “Is it okay if I sit here? Everything else is taken.”
If they seem open: “What are you working on?” or “Is that book any good?”
Avoid: continuing if they put their headphones back in

Someone alone at a gathering

Way in: “I only know one person here. How about you?”
If they answer: “How do you know them?”
Avoid: staying if they keep looking away. You can say, “Good to meet you. I’ll go find a drink.”

Knocking on a lit window

On Murlune, the other person has already told you why they are awake, so answer that.

If the line says “can’t sleep”: “Me neither. What’s keeping you up tonight?”
If the line says “missing someone”: “I saw your line. Do you want to tell me about them?”
If the line says “no reason”: “Same here. Do you like this hour, or just put up with it?”
Avoid: “hey”, compliments about them, or asking how old they are

Replying to a message in a bottle

Reply to the words on the page, and leave the door open without pushing.

If they wrote about moving away: “Eating dinner standing up stayed with me. I did that for most of my first year in a new city.”
If they asked a question: answer it honestly, even if your answer is “I don’t know either”
Avoid: advice they didn’t ask for, or asking for anything personal

A way out for any of these

Ending well is a skill too, and you can leave at any point. Try “It was nice talking to you”, “This is my stop” or “I’m going to head off now.” You don’t owe a reason.

If someone makes you uneasy, you don’t need to be polite. Move away, go somewhere with other people, or on Murlune, leave, block and report.