The Comfort of Strangers

Why is there comfort in the solace of strangers. Is it what they know or don't know that can place us at ease. How is their steely stare, searching for understanding, different than the cool stare of disapproval, neglect or disappointment.

Maybe it is that when we look in their eyes all the lack of a reflection does not have the sting of I told you so, the annoying habit of always being right, or the knowledge of past mistakes still repeated.

But once that stranger is stranger no more, then where to comfort do we seek. Does the stranger not knowing, what we do not allow ourselves to forget create this temporary space of sanctuary.

Better to face fire of heated debate with one close, than freeze in the chill of a distant and chance counselor.

So is there truly comfort in the solace of strangers? Yes... Maybe...

But there is safety at home. So choose wisely where you lay.