In the book "Trains and Lovers" by Alexander McCall Smith, the author examines the instinctive ways people connect with others during initial encounters. He highlights how individuals often seek commonalities, such as mutual acquaintances, as a way to establish a bond or familiarity with someone new.
This exploration into human interaction reflects our innate desire for relationships and the comfort that comes from shared connections, illustrating a fundamental aspect of social behavior where familiarity breeds comfort in meetings with strangers.