It was a local coffee shop and I was enjoying the sweet smell and taste of my single, tall, caramel latte, wondering what I would do for the rest of the cool winter night.  People walked in and out, and I found myself completely absorbed in this.  Some came to get coffee and leave while others simply stepped out with a cigarette in hand.  I saw a man walk in with a book under his arm.  He sat down at the first table he came to.  He arose shortly after, leaving his book at rest on the table, and approached the counter to make his purchase.  Hmm. Double espresso black. He’s stressed.  I continued to observe, careful not to be caught staring.  As he read, he continuously glanced out the window taking one sip after each glance.  Oh, he’s running from something.  Maybe he got in a fight with his wife and just had to get away.  Maybe he’s a writer and failed to meet his deadline and got fired.  Poor guy.  Week after week I found myself watching others a lot.  No one in particular, but just people in general. 

Look around you.  See that person over there?  The one with jeans and the collared shirt?  Why is he looking your way?  What is he looking at?  Is it the person behind you?  Is it the TV above your head?  Maybe he’s looking at you.  Then again, maybe he’s staring off into space dreaming about winning the lottery.  Is he married?  Does he have kids?  Maybe he’s an undercover agent for the FBI and is on a secret mission in what you thought was a boring little town.  The truth is he could actually be anyone, thinking anything.  Now let me ask you this…

Have you ever been in line at the grocery store dreading the cart full of items waiting to be scanned before it’s your turn to be checked out?  Ever find yourself paying close attention to the person in front of you, curious as to their reasoning for such groceries?  We all have at one point or another and whether or not you knew it, you were taking part in one of the most humorous, entertaining, and therapeutic past times there is— people watching.