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People-Watching Is The Ultimate Talent And It's Time It Got The Recognition It Deserves

You probably didn't see this, but the kid across the room just spilled his drink.

Tahzeen Alam

Feb 26, 2019

UNC Charlotte

144

People-Watching Is The Ultimate Talent And It's Time It Got The Recognition It Deserves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXaHY0CCibc

People-watching is a sport that takes great technique and skill. It's a risky game that requires planning and accuracy. Most people just assume that it's casually looking around in a park or restaurant, but it's more than a simple time-passing activity. It can make friendships and ruin relationships. Thankfully, UNC Charlotte has a lot of great areas for me to use, like Crown, the Library, Prospector, and, my favorite, SoVi. Here are the reasons I find people-watching so beneficial:

1. You can critique other people's fashion choices

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You can find outfit ideas by copying other's style. Take note of the most important aspects and use those notes to make outfits for the next week. On the other side, you can silently judge people based on their clothes without seeming rude.

2. It can help you find a cute guy or girl

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Usually, if I'm eating dinner at the dining hall, I'll find a guy near me and make subtle glances to observe their facial structure, clothing, and mannerisms. Observing them in their natural habitat can tell a lot about a guy. I'll probably never talk to him, but it's nice to look.

3. You get see funny moments that would go unseen

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One of my favorites on this list is funny moments that would go unseen by others. We all have those moments where we do something embarrassing and hope that no one's watching. For the people in SoVi, I'm usually watching (and I've already laughed,) but go ahead and play it off like nothing happened.

4. It can help you make new friends

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It's easier to make new friends. I'm not the type of person to invite someone to sit with me, but my friends definitely will. There are actually nice people in the world that are willing to be friends with a loner.

5. It’s a nice distraction when you’re bored

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The normal thing that people do when they're bored is to watch Netflix or hang out with friends, but occasionally I prefer to "study" at Dunkin' or the top of SoVi. I've got my laptop out and a notebook open, but my eyes are on the people surrounding me. I'm looking at that one kid who's mostly on his phone, the loud group of friends, and the bystanders.

People watching is a whole new world that too often goes unnoticed. You have to be stealthy and precise to do it successfully. The goal is to not get caught but to still find an interesting target. You have to find a purpose and stick to it or else it can be a confusing mess. I recommend it to anyone who wants to casually stalk but not pass as a creep. So sit back, relax, and keep your eyes open.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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People-Watching Is The Ultimate Talent And It's Time It Got The Recognition It Deserves

You probably didn't see this, but the kid across the room just spilled his drink.

In This Article:

1. You can critique other people's fashion choices

2. It can help you find a cute guy or girl

3. You get see funny moments that would go unseen

4. It can help you make new friends

5. It’s a nice distraction when you’re bored

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Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1. When he just wanted bacon from his George Foreman grill

2. When he had money (and Jan) issues

3. When he got upstaged at Phyllis' wedding

4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies

5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit

6. When he had to apologize to Jesus

7. When his GPS drove him into a lake

8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss

9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise

10. When this happened

11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up

12. When he had to defend his generosity

13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend

14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure

15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

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