It is the lunch hour rush at a Peet’s Coffee in the downtown area of my tiny hometown. As I reach into my backpack, I kick myself as I realize that the pair of earbuds I brought with me are the ones that only function in one ear. I have five assignments to complete before I go home for dinner, and I know very well that there is no way that I will be able to completely focus on any of them without blasting my study playlist on Spotify. I already know I will be continuously distracted by the noises of the people surrounding me (mostly small children and their reprimanding mothers).
However, I decide to use this as an opportunity to turn a distraction into a popular pastime for many writers: people-watching.
If you’ve never taken the time to embark on some quality people-watching, you are really missing out. Think about it, how many times have you sat by yourself in a restaurant, café, or even an outdoor area, and absentmindedly observed the people around you or even dared to eavesdrop on their conversations? It definitely makes life a lot more interesting and gives you some great stories to tell your friends later.
Image source: Pexels
As I hunker down in the back corner of Peet’s, my eyes are immediately drawn to two sets of individuals: two little girls coloring while their mother complains on the phone about some Thanksgiving family gathering gone terribly wrong, and the quiet elderly man who’s just spent the last 10 minutes cleaning off the table next to me where he is now sitting quietly and drinking his hot chocolate.
The unlikeliest of people sometimes catch your eyes or ears, whether it’s from a phone conversation or just the aura they give off. Even though the two little girls are raising quite a ruckus over their coloring, the picture in the corner of my eye of the older man staring out the window at the little downtown streets depicts what I long to feel two weeks away from finals: contentment and comfort. He reminds me to find peace and even writing inspiration during times when an there is an abundance of small screaming children in coffee shops when I’m just trying to study for calculus.
Image source: Pexels
So, the next time you find yourself bored and by yourself at a populated spot, give people-watching a shot. And, if you’re a seasoned pro, challenge yourself to pull out a notebook (no, your phone’s notes app doesn’t count) and write down some fun observations to maybe even revisit later. Have fun and happy people-watching from your favorite introvert!
Cover image source: Pexels