The Irony of Everyday Life

Human beings are interesting creatures.

Going back to my first post, I spoke of the fact that many of us in JOUR 1550 have all of the same classes together, yet we barely know each other. After a month of being in school this semester, two full semesters previous and a lot of classes together, I still find it ironic how awkward people are. Whether it be passing someone on the street or avoiding sitting next to someone in a class, the habit of humanity is a very interesting aspect to explore.

For example:
You're walking down Wisconsin Ave. to your 12 p.m. class. You're just passing Raynor and a person that has been in atleast four of your classes is walking toward you. A couple of those four classes were of very small size. The person continutes toward you, looking every direction possible except at you. As the two of you finally pass each other, this person either looks up quickly and gives a small smile, or just keeps walking on by with their head down.

What? Awkward.

Individuals show a very distinct discomfort while walking on the street. I will admit to doing the same. It's an intriguing couple of seconds leading up to passing someone you "semi-know". Your mind kicks into high-gear and you start to think "Do I say hello to them?", "Should I just smile?", "Maybe I'll just put my head down and act like I don't see them."  These are common thoughts that go through everybody's minds on a typical walk to class. Even the most outgoing individuals fall victim to these mind games.

In order to change this, we need to revert back to a more comfortable time of years ago. A time when saying hello to a passerby was common courtesy and when ignoring someone you have seen/know was something only done out of anger. As college students, we are supposed to be more comfortable with ourselves than in the odd stages of high school. We need to not worry about what others will think or whether or not the person opposite us will wave back. Just do it. It will cause a lot less stress on the walk to class and there's absolutely nothing to lose.