We are surrounded by strangers. Think about it. Everywhere you go, there are all these people you don’t know. But every now and then, paths cross, and you bump into one of these strangers. Sometimes literally, mostly figuratively.
But you have a lot in common with them. Besides from the obvious resemblances, like that you both have a nose and two ears. You might share the same hopes and dreams without ever knowing that. Then again, hopes and dreams are less obvious then noses and ears.
We mostly don’t interact with the people we don’t know. That’s ok. But when you do, you get to share a short moment with that person. If it is a happy moment, even if it is very short, it can brighten your day and make you smile. I think it has something to do with feeling connected, belonging, and sharing values in a particular moment. Sometimes such a moment can give you a glimpse of insight in who these people are, and how they are just like you.
So why don’t you actively engage in these moments more often? Why don’t you talk to strangers (besides from our mom telling you not to)? Sometimes there is just no real reason to, and the threshold is high, even if you are interested in engaging with someone.
For my design project, I am looking into the aspect of social interaction at the moment. Perhaps I could design a system that would not only make people play, but that also brings people together. That’s why I have been looking at moments of social confrontation with strangers. I think they are an interesting base for design.
So I guess what I am trying to say, is that I am going to help people bump into each other…
Did you have any interesting encounters with strangers lately? Do you have any moment to add to my little sketches so far?
(Oh also, in case you haven’t noticed but do want to check it out, my blog has a Facebook page now)
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14 Comments
Eleni
October 10, 2012 at 08:50
I always try and smile during those moments. You almost always get a smile back, and it usually stays with me for s few steps. More smiles, everyone!
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:09
Yes, good point! Smiles do a lot. I actually should try to do this more often as well :) (I can sometimes seem to look angry or sad when I am simply thinking happy thoughts haha.. not so good :S )
Erin Kate
October 10, 2012 at 11:53
Cute sketches ! : )
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:09
thanks :)
FİGEN
October 10, 2012 at 12:30
Cute! by the way I adore your blog, you really inspired me :)
Loves from Turkey :)
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:10
That’s great to hear, thank you! :)
Angie Kroeker
October 10, 2012 at 14:01
I am practicing making eye contact with strangers and not looking away just cause it might feel awkward. I feel we as humans seem to be afraid of it. The other day I was in a restaurant and caught the eyes of a woman at another table. Instead of looking away right away I smiled and she smiled back. I may never see her again but I remember that she had a really nice smile.
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:17
I know what you mean. I think I could also still do this more often, and should not forget to smile!
anto
October 10, 2012 at 17:09
This is a really interesting subject. I am one of those people who shy away from interacting with strangers so I think what you are doing is pretty great.
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:18
Cool! Yes, I think design could play a really interesting role in such interactions, but we’ll see what will come from it ;)
A Kobes
October 10, 2012 at 19:49
I have loads of awkward moments with strangers where I’m trying to be more engaged! Such as someone saying hi and waving to you, and they’re actually doing it to the person behind you, that usually gets a surprised look or the moment when you and another stranger and no one else sees something funny in the street, and it’s you and the strangers little secret while you’re smiling at each other! Then you’d see them again on the bus the next day and you’d do the knowing smile at them!
This blog has inspired to me smile more at people, because you never know who you maybe sitting next to on the bus…they may be your soul mate.
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:20
whaha yes! Although once a stranger waved at me.. and I didn’t know him but was convinced there would be someone behind me he was waving at. But then I turned around, but there actually was no one behind me, and the wave was actually meant for me, but then I was too late. I remember feeling really disappointed for ‘missing the opportunity’.
Beckie
October 10, 2012 at 23:16
I think about things somewhat similar to this every so often. How I pass people every day that I will never know and may never see again. I want to soak them all up but I can’t there are just too many. It’s so strange to think of it that way…
I think music brings people together for sure!
And probably my most interesting “bump” story would be from a few years ago: I was waiting for the bus along the side of the overhang thing (ya know, the thing that covers the bench?), so I was kind of out of sight and couldn’t see anyone coming from my left side. The next thing I know a teenaged-to-early-twenties boy comes around the corner, sees me, smiles the biggest smile ever, hugs me, and keeps walking. I was so taken aback! I just kind of smiled and giggled and said “hi”, and he just kept walking. A few moments later a couple ladies that must have been with him walked by and apologized and I was just said “it’s ok!” and kept smiling–I don’t think they realized that all he had done was hug me. And I mean, it’s obvious that he had some sort of mental disability, but I didn’t actually care. A hug is a hug and it made me happy : ] To this day, that’s one of my favorite stories to share, and just one of the most random acts of kindness I’ve ever experienced : ] : ] : ]
Magical Day Dream
October 14, 2012 at 22:26
That’s such an awesome story! Isn’t it funny how these small moments can make a real impact? I think it is fascinating. If such a small thing can make our day or can make a real memory, it means our actions can have a real impact if we try to live positively. I love it! Thanks for sharing :)