The Secluded Art Of People Watching | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Secluded Art Of People Watching

From the perspective of an inevitable realist.

17
The Secluded Art Of People Watching
Paige Vickers

I’m sitting in a dark room. The musky bitter smell of lucky strikes overwhelm my senses and create a heavy lingering haze. The whining sound of guitar riffs and a thick drum beat set the lonesome scenario. I’m alone yet surrounded by the hustle of people around me: conversing, gossiping and mingling. I’ve never been the type of individual to draw attention towards myself, in fact I am sort of a lone wolf. I believe there isn’t a definitive description of character and if there was, I would label myself as a walking juxtaposition. I reckon I am the result of contrasting influences which mold my muddled yet composed demeanor.


I like to invent roles for the individuals who surround me, some may call it “people watching", however, I consider it an art form to cleverly label individuals by initial perspective.

The blonde bombshell in the center of the bar attracting attention like a 6-point elk to a huntsman, probably lived an affluent life as a child and unpleasantly realized in college she did not hold entitlement to her parents wealth. She now looks for a suitor to satisfy her needs.

The man wearing the baseball cap with his head down and thumb twiddling, is looking for a plan of attack to tell his wife he has just lost his job. Perhaps, if he slugs a few more shots of bourbon, he will possess the courage to humble himself to his spouse.

Sometimes, I may be unrealistically cryptic in my day dreams, however, what’s the purpose of growth if everything comes naturally. True character is evolved in times of desperation and tribulation. I’m not a pessimist, I’m a realist. I expose the inconveniences and grime of life which people prefer to ignore. Some find relevancy in superficial happenings- hence the bothersome task of small talk. As far as I’m concerned, this is a mediocre attempt to find a common interest, and individuals are no less entitled to a label of strangers than acquaintances. Why speak at all if there is nothing to be said?

You can never truly come to know everything about someone. One may only experience a screened persona of an individual, rather what is chosen to be told or shown. You’re unable to understand the deepest thoughts of another human being by way of their emotions. It’s unsettling isn’t it? The concept of friendship is so incredibly odd. One invests time and shares parts of their life with another, yet withholds other aspects for what, common courtesy?

Friendship is a mutual agreement of trust between people to share life in a less private manner as human nature bounds us to.

People watching undeniable allows one the opportunity to observe, articulate and define an individual without relational ties. It is an act of judgment justified by perspective and guarded by individuality. Nor positive or negative, my disposition is unknown to the target. I alone am my own audience.


As I’m collecting thoughts on my current environment, I learn more about myself. I’m a lone wolf, always have been and always will be.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

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

1009
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

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

15954
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

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

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

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

3312
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments