Did your mom ever tell you not to talk to strangers when you were just a kid?

It makes perfect sense. Kids don't have the knowledge or experience to know when someone is trying to take advantage of them so keeping them away from potential threats is a wise idea. You mother was an ADULT so she could handle herself & the situation.

I was told the same too. I think it is more prevalent in asian countries than in US though. The reason is that if we start talking to strangers, they might just harm us somehow and we might be too young to defend ourself, especially if we are the trusting sort. As for your mom, she is a grown up, and she is in a better position to defend herself (or so that's what most adults think). I guess she said that out of love, so do not mistake her love for unreasonable control over you. OK? When you have your own kids, let's see if you will not do the same. It would be good to tell them why as well.

Hmm... I don't remember my mother telling me that exactly. But it is a common advice to children so I did hear about it... Your story is quite funny! Hahaha. Ironic at first glance. =P However, I'm sure your mother does not initiate conversations with little kids. Surely she starts conversations with fellow adults. I think the advice is more appropriate for kids because, as mentioned above, they will be less able to tell whether the stranger is trying to take advantage of them or not. Adults will be more able to discern, so probably the advice for adults instead of don't talk to strangers would be: be careful and use your head when talking to strangers. Have a nice day! =)