[iosnoob]

Funny how serious / loner type people often open up when you ask them to help spot your bench press. At least that's been my experience, that moment of them helping you out at your vulnerable time somehow lowers the guard / the friction to chatting

[throwaway2037]

+9000. Asking for a spot on a personal big lift is a huge opening to talk with people. The before and after are a great opportunity to be emotionally vulnerable -- "oh, can I do it?" ... "oh, thanks for the 1kg help on the last rep. I really needed that!"