No, I actually do conform to a rote/traditional lifestyle fairly closely. I'm actively trying to branch out with some success, but I'm also looking to talk to people who are unlike myself to get outside perspective, ideas for growth, and just to have a fun discussion!

I like to think I don't come across as aloof, self-centered, and dismissive, but -- like I mentioned in another comment -- who really knows what another thinks of them? Perhaps that's a good area to validate my assumptions so that I'm not shooting myself in the foot.

And on your last point, I definitely agree. Sometimes however you can find yourself in a situation where those barriers don't really apply and you can have a deep, interesting conversation with little prompting. I guess the heart of my question is about where people find those interesting conversations with greater regularity.