The Joys of People Watching

A long time ago I learned the pleasure of taking time to be alone while in public, specifically when eating. So now that the weather is nice I spend my lunch hour out of the a/c (or should I say the deep frezer that is my office) and out into the world. There's a spot just a few feet down from my office set up with tables and benches so I usually will pick up a quick bite and find a table at this mini park to eat and people watch. Because this spot is so close to the office I get to see a sneak peak into the real lives of my office mates as they strole up and down the street. Today for example I was able to see one co worker walking with his daughter and I was finally able to see the father side of him (something I must admit was extremely hard to see). I was able to see another co worker walking with his "friends" and that made me question his HUD ways even more. And lastly I saw a set of co workers who are so different yet remind me of me and one of my closest friends.
What I do find even more fascinating in my people watching are the people I don't know. Its interesting to see the dynaics of New Yorkers vs any other place. We are so stuck to ourselves and our own lives there is a lack of compassion that we let out. For example just observing the people within this mini park. There are 4 tables with 4 seats per table. There are also benches spread out as well. Now if you don't need the table to eat or write or draw why are you occupying it? Furthermore why can't you be curteous and share your table with someone you see coming into the park with a need for a table? On the flip side why are we of such where we can't even ask to share a table with someone?

It's so sad. I think the only time I was approached to share my table was by a southern woman who was here visiting the "legendary Alamo" in the east village on her way to soho for some shopping. I happily moved my things for her to sit and eat her Chipotle and drink her Starbucks but felt ashamed for not having offered.

Anyway I think I'm done with my thoughts. Until next time. Here's hoping this time in the outdoors will help my headache go away