People watching is one of the most underrated pastimes. Some of the funniest, most precious, strangest moments can be witnessed when people simply listen and observe. I think you learn the most about people when you witness them when they think no one's watching. People watching allows outsiders to understand the flow of a group of people. It can bring others together in the funniest ways. Perhaps one couple witnesses a family laughing and having fun together; and in that moment this couple decides it's time to start their own family. Or a few girlfriends go out together and catch parts of an awkward first date conversation, and share a good hard laugh together. The best part about people watching is that you never know what you're going to get: a moment of pure beauty, a good giggle, or a moment of clarity that might even make you realize something in your own life.

My favorite thing to do while people watching is make up life stories about the people around me. I often find myself daydreaming while driving around the city or walking in a crowded place, because I am so curious about what all of these people do with their lives. My favorite game to play in the car is to pick a person driving near me and create his or her life through my eyes. I remember driving down 421 on my way to school late one morning, around 10:30 a.m., because I felt sick when I woke up. There was more traffic than expected, which was curious to me because the morning rush for work and people starting their days should have been over by then. There was a woman next to me driving a really nice, black Lexus. She appeared to have her hair and makeup all done up, dressed very businesslike, complete with shiny accessories and all. She had an earpiece in, and was chatting away, using aggressive hand gestures simultaneously while driving. She was pretty young though, in her 30's. I imagined this woman to be very successful in the business world: She made a name for herself right out of college, and I'd say she was a Notre Dame or Michigan grad. She was all about her career, and that's why she became so successful. She lives in a lavish apartment downtown with a little dog to come home to. But there's something missing in her life; she loves her job and she's proud of who she is, but she wished she had someone to share it with. She often asks herself the question of "what if?" What if I had put my career and starting a life with someone on the same level? Perhaps her frustration with this question drives her to put even more effort into her career and become even more successful.

I don't know this woman in the slightest, but it brings me to think about a lot of things just by imagining what her life could be like. If we all imagined what life might truly be like even for the people closest to us, would we have more sympathy or empathy toward them? You can find flaws in everyone, such as this woman who might work too much, but if you decide not to pass judgment, you might be able to fully understand others better. People watching brings more than just catching others in funny or embarrassing moments; observing people while they're unaware anyone is really paying attention brings out their true beauty, and can help all of us relate on similar levels.