Being from the South it is a common practice to strike up a conversation with complete strangers. I consider it polite to have a conversation. I was once on a train in Philadelphia where everyone stares out the window and says nothing but I of course did strike up a conversation with the man sitting next to me. Turned out he worked for the railroad and was from Virginia. He and I spent the entire train ride having a great conversation about the railroad and all the track maintenance that he oversaw. He also talked about missing "down home" where no one is a complete stranger. When he got off the train, dead silence on in the car packed full of people. Then and there I realized there is a difference between the North and the South. So if yo happen to be on the bus and a complete stranger with a funny accent strikes up a conversation perhaps he is just trying to be polite. Although, being polite I would never ask why you have a tattoo.
I might ask why you chose that particular tattoo.
In fact I think I will ask you now, why that tattoo and when did you get it?
I get that and normally, I don't mind conversation. I mind people being rude or obnoxious. I'm actually rather talkative with strangers and often talk to people on the bus (mostly when they strike up the conversation, though) or with cab-drivers. I am friendly and I get what you mean. It's considered weird to talk nowadays , mainly because of this "marvelous" technology.
Personally, I think there's friendly and creepy and a fine line in-between. :D
Frankly, I don't much like that question :) I don't really like explaining my tattoos to anyone...It's not a personal thing or anything, hope you understand. It's to do with someone who means a lot to me and is over three years old now. The tattoo, not the person. :)
Excellent answer. Peace.