People watching

There’s a downside to every job role. Some are obvious from the outset - others are subtle and somewhat hidden until you’re fully submerged within the role. A trait of an author has always been ‘people watching’. Our instinctive habit of watching others in public places, consciously noting their mannerisms, behaviours and subtle interactions which we squirrel away for later recall. 
 
People watching used to be fun, making me smile on many occasions as I spotted small gestures, moments of tenderness, a connection or a secret smile exchanged in public. This habit once filled me with delight but lately, people watching has become a downside to my job - as things have changed.
 
I’m noticing moments that I’m sure weren’t meant for my viewing, for anyone’s viewing in fact. Tiny interactions which occur in a fleeting second but which convey a negative message, a feeling or a prejudice towards another. Whether it be intentional or pure accident, the after effect is visible. And spotted by close observers, such as me.
 
I’m not sure if it’s the ‘times’ we’re living in or simply ignorance and lack of basic manners but I’m witnessing behaviours that I would never include in a book. Tiny micro-expressions of aggression and arrogance which seem to flare so readily aimed towards others, total strangers in many respects. It saddens me. Makes me question what’s happening to society that we should openly display such irritation towards another who happens to wander across our daily path. The negative reactions are so swift, usually non-verbal - blink and you’d missed it but they are there. Reactions which I find difficult to describe seem to be occurring more readily and with an ease that seems almost tragic to our own existence.
 
I used to write in public places, cafes and libraries but recent observations have distracted me from my writing, filling me with sadness and an instant desire to withdraw to my desk. As a species we seem to be losing the ability to truly connect, to empathise or show kindness towards others. I’m hoping this current trend is simply a phase that will pass as readily as it seems to have appeared, enabling ‘people watching’ to return to the guilty pleasure it once was.

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