Innocent Bystander
Everyone should participate in a little people watching activities. It allows you to jump out of your inner chaotic life and realize that you’re not alone. Now, there are a few keys to successful people watching. I’ll share some of mine, then you can pass yours along if you wish.
Avoid eye contact. In order to remain a fly on the wall you must avoid eye contact at all costs. After a while you begin to anticipate when someone will look at you. This is a honed skill that comes with time and patients. A good pair of sunglasses can help beginners.
Daydreaming is a side effect, and its Okay. This allows you to “figure stuff out.” In my opinion we don’t daydream enough. We get so caught up in doing and we forget why. Those are perfect moments to gain understanding with the help of those around you.
Location is key. I like coffee hang outs. Villages, Malls, Districts, or any high traffic parts of your metropolis where eclecticism is prevalent. I prefer a corner in midtown where coffee houses collide, a lonely clothing store awaits hipsters, and bars are armed with dollar draws and outdoor patios. The collage of people has the characteristics of a Rauschenberg exhibit.
Now its your turn. How, where, and why do you people watch? What strange stories have you made up or overheard during your excursions? Do tell :)
Remarks
Jeff Smith
I usually find myself people watching while waiting for the bus downtown after work. My bus stop is right at a hub of downtown (bus stops/subway stations/office buildings/restaurants, etc.) so there is usually a quite a smattering of different types of people.
Chuck
The airport is a great place to people watch. There’s always a strange mix people at airports, I guess because you get an influx of people from different parts of the country or world.
I always like to watch people and thiking, “Where are they going? Where are they from?” … and things like that.
Remarks are closed.
Remarks have been close for this post.