PEOPLE WATCHING
A few weeks ago, we were on a cruise. And while time off should allow us time to recharge our batteries and regroup from daily life, my experience was different. Instead, I found myself observing a wide variety of people, when engaged in activities, when sharing a table in the dining room or just people-watching. It was interesting because everyone was a stranger and someone I would only be interacting with for a short time. Most likely, I would not be seeing my “cruise friends” once the cruise was over.
It was interesting to see the different styles of human behavior playing out each day. Some were more people-oriented, others were more detail-oriented, the introverts, and the extroverts. There were those who were persuasive, more flexible or easy-going, or those who were analytical, enjoyed telling stories or having an audience and those who needed to be in control.
And because our time together was brief, it was easier to decide with whom to spend more time. In real life, we are often interacting with many styles as well. The difference is that in our real lives with friends, family and co-workers, we may not be able to keep our distance as easily. A greater understanding of human behavior is always valuable.
“One can state, without exaggeration, that the observation of and the search for similarities and differences are the basis of all human knowledge.” – Alfred Nobel
