The opposite of somebody who fears foreigners/strangers: the xenophobe, comes the far more
annoying counterpart: the xenophile. Looks for any and every reason to strike up a conversation with a stranger in any and every situation, especially in situations where it would be considered
odd to do such a thing--i.e. on an elevator, the bus or next stall in a public bathroom. Xenophiles typically are undaunted by a person who repeatedly gives signs that they do not want to, or are not into socializing, and
will continue their onslaught of endless questions or observations, regardless of this. In most cases, a true xenophile
will only use another person as a
front to talk out loud, and hence, expressing their own ideas and opinions so that others
will be forced into hear them. Often, a xenophile conversation
will continue on and on without the other person's/victim's giving the xenophile any encouragement to do so.
People sitting quietly,
reading periodicals in a Library. Fidgety man looking around at everybody and every thing except the reading material he has in his hand. One person happens to clear their throat.
Xenophile, instantly: "Oh, are you sick? I guess there's a bug going around. Lucky for me I haven't caught one yet, of course, this time of year I almost often do."
Instantly-regretting-clearing-their-throat person:"....Oh."
Undaunted Xenophile: "So, what's your
name?"