Put Into Practice - The Perceptual Process

As I said in my first blog post, I am a very shy person and not really comfortable making new friends. It takes a while to have a proper conversation with someone new. Unfortunately, I live in a student apartment where we, fifteen of us, share the same kitchen, pool and sitting room. Most times, I walk into one or two housemates but all i say is hi. A new guy moved into the room opposite the kitchen. He is an African American. Although I am black and from Africa, I see black Americans as a whole different kind of people. It is true that we all have the stereotypic feeling once in a while against other people. The most important thing is that we do not allow it influence our relationship with them.
I was in the kitchen one night making dinner when I first met this new guy. I was using the first two cooker plate while he took over the last two. I just started when he came, so I was really pissed I could not leave immediately to avoid any conversation. Anyway, he started by asking for my name. I am sure he saw it in my face as I answered reluctantly. I kept saying just yes and no to his questions with my face straight down. It was quiet for a while. He then said, do you want to know anything about me? I looked at his face and answered No! He said Okay and started saying things about himself. He went on and on even with the fact that I did not respond. I got to know amazing things about him. His name is Micheal, he is a biology major in his senior year. He plans to go medical school just like myself. He is super nice and pretty intelligent as well.
When I think about how the perceptual process works, I feel it is just how our brains work. However, it is our responsibility to sharpen away from that 5 seconds thinking and start a real conversation. I got to learn that without engaging in a conversation; you cannot know anything about anyone.