I watch people all the time. I find it fascinating to observe their habits and behaviors.
I don’t sit in my house staring out the window like a little old lady or peeping in windows like a pervert. Instead, I watch people when I am outside walking the dog. I watch them when I am working out with my garage door open. I watch them, when I’m driving down the street. I watch them when I’m swimming.
It’s a very natural behavior for me. Notice. Pay attention. Remember. Think about them. Then I make up stories in my head about them (and nicknames) which tend to stick unless I get to actually know them and learn their real stories.
The holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s is a great time to people watch. My neighborhood streets are lit up with Christmas lights. Out of town family members flood the area to visit. College kids come home. Parents, siblings and grandparents arrive for dinners, parties and sleepovers.
With the houses all lit up, I walk by and see the inside decorations. I see people watching TV. I see the blue glow of laptops when they are working late. I hear kids practicing violins or piano. I see parents unloading their SUVs and coming home after work with disgusting takeout food.
Sometimes, if it’s warm, they’ll leave the front door open and I hear laughter and the tinkling of dishes being washed or silverware being set out on the table. I’ll smell the roasts in the oven, the steaks searing on the grill, the ribs slowly cooking in smokers and the cloud of perfume trailing the guests who just arrived bearing bags of gifts.
Sometimes I feel as if I know these people, simply because I see them so often. I recognize who belongs, who’s visiting and who returns year-after-year.
I suspect a few of them are watching me too because when I occasionally meet someone out walking they’ll say, “I see you walking your little dog all the time.“
We’ll introduce ourselves and make small talk. Sometimes I even make a friend (or at least begin a friendship) this way.
I like that even more than just watching.