In Praise Of Mundane Interactions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

In Praise Of Mundane Interactions

Being among people is amazing

20
In Praise Of Mundane Interactions
Enriquecornejo

There are the friends that have been with you through thick and thin and you can’t imagine your life without and then there is that one guy you always sat with in a GE history class and never spoke to again. Maybe you grabbed lunch with him after class or studied for the final, but interaction outside class was minimum. These friends don’t get enough credit for the support and dimension they add to everyday life.

You aren’t going to call Rick from history class when you are having an existential crisis at one in the morning but you’ll laugh with him about the dated video your professor has definitely been using for decades and when you split into groups for discussion, you have a go-to guy. He is also a source of small talk. Ah, small talk. I know lots of people who dread it, but it has its purpose. Little questions like “how are you?” or “ did you see what’s for lunch today?” are an important part of the human experience. Not the only important part, but still important. Just as there are a variety of foods people need to be healthy and not just one magic food that gives us everything we need, so there are different kinds of interaction that we need to be fully present as people.

We need to remember the world is more than our own sphere of friends and those temporary friends sit somewhere in between our own world and the world at large. They remind us that every other person sitting in the lecture hall or passing on the street is a person with a story of their own. With a plan for their day and a past we don’t know. These people are unsung heroes that maybe aren’t the ones who change our lives but are a constant reminder that we are alive. We are alive and so are all the other people around us, alive with their own pains and victories, hopes, and schedules.

I am not suggesting any drastic change in lifestyle. I am not saying you should start talking to every stranger you meet and that you must be outgoing to live a good life. I simply encourage you, dear reader, to take a moment and appreciate some of the simpler excellences in your life. Small, unimpressive, mundane interactions are deeply beautiful and we are fortunate to have them. Does that mean they can never be nerve wracking? No, I still hate calling to make a doctor’s appointment but I recognize that small interaction as amazing. So here’s to the cashiers and the lecture buddies and that girl who lives down the hall that always has candy. May we always see the beauty, and perhaps some day learn to take joy, in the fact that we can be with other humans.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19019
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8066
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5891
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5101
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments