People watching has so much to offer, it is a mindless and very calming activity. It is free, and one of the best learning opportunities that I have encountered. I can't even begin to describe the things that I have seen and learned. There is such a wide array of skills and knowledge that can be gained through people watching.
People watching is so easy to do. I have always been a very observant person, so for me it comes naturally. Even when you think I am not, I am always observing and listening. I do this so that I can figure out your weaknesses and use them against you later! Ok, totally kidding. But for me it is just so fascinating, and it is somewhat mentally soothing as well. People watching is extremely underrated, and is one of many simple things that I appreciate so much in life.
You can get things from outfit inspiration to a message of hope. I get tons of outfit inspiration, and ideas for new makeup looks by observing the world around me. It is so easy to be inspired by the things you see around you. I get ideas for articles to write, and also realize new hobbies I might want to take part in. It is a healthy and refreshing thing to watch people, and I usually have a good laugh too. One of my most favorite reasons to people watch though is to feel a new sense of hope for the human race. More often than not when I people watch, my faith in humanity is restored little by little.
It is incredible to see the way that different generations, cultures, and groups all interact. While people watching I have seen the way different people show love, the ways different people rejoice, the ways people grieve, the ways people buy or barter and ways people raise children. Every group of people does things a little differently, and people watching might just change your outlook on the world.
There are different kinds of people watching...
The most common type is just watching people, the way they move or speak and the things that they do. This is the easiest and most exciting kind of people watching. You can use people's body language to guess the way they feel about someone or something. You can also observe the little things about someone, maybe the way they kneel down to tie their shoes.
Another kind of people watching is actually listening. This kind comes in handy when you can't necessarily see someone but instead, you listen to them tell a story. An example of this kind is when you are at a restaurant and the people at the table behind you are having an intense conversation. You have been overhearing their conversation and have become emotionally invested with the happenings of a complete stranger.
Often times I become so interested in a conversation that I wish I could turn around and add a comment in, or ask a question that I have come up with. Usually, when I have been listening to a conversation for a while, I like to imagine what the person looks like in my head. Then when it's time to leave, I can catch a peek of what the person looked like, to see if my picture in my head was right.
Another fun type of people watching is more like a, "choose your own story" game. This is fun to do when you are watching a person talk from a distance, at which you can't hear them. But based on their facial expressions and gestures, you make up the possible words that you think they are saying.
People watching is also great for making new friends, and connections. If you really like someone's shoes and you ask them where they are from, you might just make an awesome friend. You could meet your soulmate, or meet someone with your dream job. The possibilities are endless for people watching. If you are so inspired and moved by the actions of a stranger, go tell them that! They could become one of your greatest friends.
While people watching, I am constantly creating the possible life stories for the people I see. I like to think up the life stories of people, and the reason that they are standing in front of me. I like to imagine what kind of house a person lives in, what car they might drive, their favorite ice cream, and what kinds of books they like to read. If I watch a certain person for long enough, I can imagine all sorts of small details about them.
One of my favorite places to people watch is at the airport. I thoroughly enjoy watching humans do their human things while traveling. There are people from every walk of life, speaking hundreds of languages, with thousands of different purposes. Waiting at the baggage claim can take a while, and is a prime spot for people watching. I like to match up each person with the luggage that might belong to them. Or sometimes I like to watch people get worried as each bag drops from the docks, and their bag seems to be missing.
Another great time to people watch is while you are lining up to board the plane. People are frantically searching and checking things while others are calmly waiting, or maybe trying to soothe their anxiety for the flight. Airports are the crossroads of the world, and I love seeing and interacting with the variety of characters that are there.
Some great locations for people watching are: the window- corner seat in a cafe, in the dining patio of a restaurant, on a boardwalk or pier, on a bench in a big park, sitting on a fountain in a big city, or any place filled with a diverse population. And remember when it comes to people watching, pick a comfortable spot to sit because it can and will get very serious as the time passes by.
Sometimes my mom and I will sit down and watch for an hour or two just because we want to. On vacations, we enjoy finding scenic areas and watching the people that pass through. You will see all sorts of things. You might see an old lady crossing the street with trouble just as a young man comes to help her along. You may even see a drug deal! You could see a man picking his nose and dancing in his car. You can find a small child mimicking her mom as she walks behind her. You might find a kind woman on the subway giving several bills to a homeless man. Whatever it is that you see while people watching, there is always something to take away at the end of the day.
Every person on this planet experienced today in a different way than you did. Every human has had a different set of experiences, a different background, and a different lesson to teach. At least one thing can be learned from observing each and every person around you. Everybody has something to offer, so do not discount anyone.
For as bad as our world might seem, the world is actually filled with super cool people. People do impressive things that are easily overlooked. Take time out of your week this week to people watch, and I promise you that you will not be disappointed. You will learn something incredible, and also get free entertainment from our beautiful fellow humans.
