People watching should be an official event. I’m not sure if it should be a sport or a game or an unstructured pastime, but it needs to be something. I was convinced of this when we went out to lunch yesterday. The entire restaurant was in people watching mode, and personally, I can’t think of a better way to pass the time.
Nobody doesn’t mind their own business but somehow, it works. From the moment we walked in the restaurant we heard it (and we knew we were among our people). Murmurs of, “Such cute sandals!” “Look at that skirt, the one with the print!” “I want those earrings!” (Nobody said anything about my tie. Bummer.) After we were seated, we were able to join in. “Look, is that the crab cake or the crab cake salad?” “I don’t know but I’m definitely getting that for dessert…The one over there.” “I don’t see that on the menu, be sure to ask if it’s one of today’s specials.”
The best part of people watching in a restaurant is that people are constantly coming and going, so there are always new things to ooh and aah over. And unlike just a few years ago, it’s all open and above board. Nobody is sneaking around anymore trying to catch a glimpse of how the filet is served. If you can’t tell, you just lean over and ask your table neighbors.
Yes, the restaurant is THE place to people watch.
I’m a people watcher from way back. Back in the day we had to hide our watching or at least be minimally circumspect of who we were watching. Bars were always a good place because you can blame the 1,000 mile stare when you can’t believe someone would come out in public like that by blaming it on being over-served. Pools were reasonable people spotting spots mostly because anybody who went to one was planning on being watched anyway. Of course, they were also sort of the classic double-edged sword. People didn’t mind being watched, but they never did anything worth watching. Yes, for sheer volume of sights, bars were the place to be. Not late night. After work happy hour was the best time.
That was then though. This is now, and now the place is a restaurant, a little crowded, preferably mostly filled with people who don’t get out much. (You know. My people.) And for maximum participation, wear the dangling earrings and order the special.
The Real Reality Show Blog 
Too often, folks consider people watching intrusive or judgmental. They’re looking to see if they’re better than you or more f”ill in the blank.” But people-watching gives me a deep appreciation for our differences and how we as humanity are all the same while still being so very different. I agree with you, Michael–restaurants are perfect for people watching, especially when families are involved. That’s an entire comment on society right at one table. Thank you for your Monday-morning insights Always a pleasure.
I’m sure there are some who look at others thinking “I’m better than them” but I look at other people and think “look at the fun that they are having!” Is too seldom that we venture out of our silos and restaurants are usually a good place to see others who aren’t like us but living life just like us.
Silos! That’s exactly it! We’ve created people-proof silos to keep us from being hurt by others. That’s the tragedy. We are all so interesting because of our differences. What a treat to be part of the human race!
Yes, “we are all so interesting because of our differences.” Just like the only constant is change, the only thing the same among us is that we’re all different from each other. That could be blog material!
Ah, I love good people watching. And this restaurant sounds like such a wonderful atmosphere! I love hanging out with my kids because they are such good observers. It makes it more fun when everyone is doing it!
I’m happy to know I’m not the only one who goes in for a little people watching. Especially when we realize people are watching us too!
I’ll say it! I like your tie…and I don’t even need to see it! 😁💕😁
Thank you! I needed that! 👔
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While restaurants are wonderful for watching people, airports a great places too. All kinds of people rush by, usually oblivious to you, the watcher. 🙄
I need to spend more time in airports. You’re right though, I used to be a good place for people watching, especially families and young couples. Newlywed types. I haven’t gone anywhere by plane in 2 years. The only thing I can remember of the people then was they were all in a hurry.