"The Stories We Miss: Observing Life in a World of Distraction"
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a dear old friend after what felt like an eternity. As we reminisced about our golden days, a flood of memories came rushing back. Among them was one of my favorite pastimes—people watching. Yes, you heard that right, people watching. Before you judge me, let me say it’s not as odd as it sounds. It’s a harmless, utterly fascinating hobby, much like bird watching or window shopping. And I bet most of you have indulged in it at some point, even if unknowingly.
For me, this curious habit dates back to my childhood. Early morning bus rides to school were a mix of nature watching and people watching, a comforting blend of routine and discovery. I remember the sight of tea plantation workers heading to the fields with their tools, their laughter and chatter filling the cool morning air. These moments fascinated me—their camaraderie, their purpose. Every day, as our bus passed a nearby police station, we would glimpse the morning parade in progress. The officers moved in perfect unison, their discipline an intriguing contrast to the lively chatter inside our school bus.
Our driver, a deeply religious man, had his own ritual. Every time we passed a temple, he would briefly take his hand off the wheel to make a sign of reverence. Even as a child, I found this small act deeply meaningful. It was as if he carried his faith through the day like a quiet passenger on the bus.
As the years rolled by, people watching evolved alongside me. When I left home for boarding school, it became my way of coping with homesickness. I would often find myself standing at the hostel gates, watching buses approach and drive away, each one sparking a longing to go home. My walks from college to the hostel were another canvas of human emotions. There were the serious ones, hurrying by with purpose in their stride; the bossy ones, issuing instructions even as they walked; the kind ones, always ready to lend a helping hand; and the cheerful ones who brightened my day with their infectious smiles.
One particular bus ride from Coimbatore to my hostel remains etched in my memory. It was one of those overly crowded rides where people jostled for space, the air heavy with a mix of chatter and exhaustion. I had managed to secure a seat and, as was my habit, let my gaze wander. Amid the sea of faces, I noticed a middle-aged woman standing quietly, her face marked with sadness. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and though she didn’t make a sound, her pain spoke volumes. No one around her seemed to notice; everyone was engrossed in their own lives. My heart ached for her, and though I couldn’t offer her words of comfort, I whispered a prayer for her in my heart. That moment taught me how easily we overlook the silent struggles of those around us.
Later, when I was working in Chennai after marriage, people watching took on a different flavor. I would wait at a bus stop in the bustling tech hub for my husband, and it felt like standing at the edge of a fashion runway. Men and women walked by with purpose, their crisp attires and stylish bags adding a touch of glamour to the mundane streets. Each person seemed like a character in a story—a story I could only guess at.
But over time, I’ve noticed a change. These days, fewer people meet your gaze, let alone smile at a stranger. Everyone seems absorbed in their own little world, with their eyes glued to the screens of their phones. Even at bus stops or waiting rooms, people scroll endlessly, their faces lit not by the sun but by the cold glow of their screens. It feels like we’re all physically present but emotionally absent, disconnected from the world and the people around us. I miss the days when a simple smile from a stranger could brighten your day or a shared glance could spark curiosity about the story behind the face.
For me, people watching is more than a pastime—it’s a way of connecting with the world. It’s about seeing humanity in its raw, unfiltered form. Every smile, every tear, every hurried step tells a story. It reminds me that life is full of silent battles and unspoken joys, all happening around us if we just take a moment to look.
So the next time you’re at a bus stop, in a waiting room, or simply walking down a busy street, slow down. Look around. You might find a story that touches your heart, a moment that stays with you, or even a reflection of yourself in someone else’s journey. People watching, after all, isn’t about judging—it’s about understanding, connecting, and appreciating the beautiful tapestry of life.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some more people-watching to do (purely for research, of course) :-) "
Nancy Kavin
Wow very true
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