This might seem strange, but I like people and I love hearing their stories

It is fashionable these days to think poorly of people in general.

And there is some justification for that. A sizeable chunk of humankind very often seems neither "human" nor "kind."

Still, I've met very, very few folks in my life who didn't interest me in some way, or with whom I wouldn't want to hold a conversation.

You know that thing about judging someone based on whether you would have a beer with them? Doesn't work for me. I would have a beer with virtually anyone, including – and especially – you.

I so enjoy hearing about people's lives and how they got to where they are. I like to listen to them talk about their beliefs, their hopes, their dreams, and yes, their disappointments.

As I've often said, everyone has a story. And that story is inevitably fascinating, no matter who you are.

Of course, few of us see our own lives that way. We're too close to the situation to understand how genuinely interesting we are.

Yes, a true narcissist simply assumes you want to know more about them, and they can't wait to give you the details. But most of us, if asked about ourselves, simply shrug and say, "Me? Eh, I'm not that interesting."

Actually, you are.

Now, let me also say this: I understand how easy it is for someone like me, an extrovert, to engage with others and listen to their stories, especially strangers. My wife says I could talk to a tree.

I get that, for introverts, this can be a nearly impossible task. If you're introverted, I imagine you might be anything but excited to hear about other people's lives.

So I do realize I'm speaking only for myself and maybe a handful of others when I say how much fun it is to hear others talk about themselves.

For one thing, you can learn something valuable from almost any person you meet. I really do believe that. Even if you don't fundamentally agree with their worldview, chances are they're somewhat well-intentioned and trying their best in life.

In their struggles, often tinged with self-doubt, are the stories that make practically every person on earth someone worth talking to. Someone from whom we can glean something to help navigate our own challenges.

Someone you're better off having met.

Oftentimes we reflexively categorize an annoying social media poster with political labels that strip them of their individuality and keep us from seeing their inherent worth.

Putting others in a box blinds us to their stories and prevents us from understanding what drives them.

And you know what? Their motivations are almost never what you think they are. You don't have to agree with them, but you should at least try to understand them.

I guess what I'm saying is, don't deny yourself the joy of discovering other human beings. Say hello. Be curious. Ask questions, even if you think you already know the answers.

You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.