I was with a guy at a public place and noticed him looking around quite often. He termed it 'people watching' and looked like it was an ingrained habit.
What is the reason for 'people watching'? Also, it's one thing to people watch if you are alone, but isn't it unusual to do so if you have company, especially if they don't share the interest? Is watching from a distance more appropriate than watching someone who can notice that they are being watched, possibly making them uncomfortable? Can it be used as an excuse to check out people from the opposite sex?
Would like some opinions on this activity from watchers as well as non-watchers. Thank you for your responses.
2007-09-11 11:56:20 · 11 answers · asked by Niki238 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Is he a writer? Most writers I know (myself included) are hopeless people-watchers (and eavesdroppers). You never know where the cure from your writer's block is going to come from or when you'll see a great character. It also comes in handy as a reference for when you need a description of young lovers meeting, or a mom looking for her kid, or two men in a disagreement.
I rein it in when I'm with others, but I can't turn it off completely.
2007-09-11 14:20:46 · answer #1 · answered by LX V 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy people watching a lot. For me, it's a way to see how different people react to situations. It's like modern-day anthropology--learning about a culture through the cues given. Rather than learning by stories and artifacts, you're learning through actions and body language. It's not unusual (or wrong for that matter) to people watch when you're with someone else. Most people tend to multi-task in that way. I know with my ADHD, I can watch people and carry on a conversation at the same time, and watching people can actually HELP me stay into the conversation better than if I just had to concentrate on the conversation. Oh, and YES to both of your last questions.
2007-09-11 17:22:06 · answer #2 · answered by J-Dawn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have been given to be rapid, because of the fact the Simpsons are on at 6:00, and seven:00 'til 9, and then to visual reveal unit the Simpson's action picture back! So what makes you think of adult adult males love cartoons then? Oh, sorry, forgot related to the Flintstones, yet you are able to verify the television handbook for whilst this is on. playstation : why have cbbc taken Jakers off!
2016-11-14 23:44:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am addicted to people watching. I love to observe everyone, wherever I am. It's fun to watch little kids when they are playing and to listen to what they have to say. It is amusing to see them interact with one another and see things from their point of view. I like to see how people dress and watch the way they walk; their mannerisms while they are talking. I like to watch old people; couples who have shared many years together and see how they relate after all that time. People watching isn't meant to make people uncomfortable; I don't mean leering at them, I mean just thoughtfully observing. I like to see really nice looking people and can almost feel their sense of self esteem as they walk by. Some people are very confident; some seem oblivious, others joyful and some are sad or not enjoying life. I like to imagine their thoughts, where they are from and what their lives are all about. I guess my people watching could bother someone who doesn't enjoy participating but, I haven't found that to be the case. It isn't nice to stare and make people uncomfortable but that is not how I do it. Can it be used as an excuse to check out the opposite sex!! Absolutely!! That's part of the fun of doing it!!
2007-09-11 16:06:56 · answer #4 · answered by turkeybrooknj 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's just a phrase really. a way to pass the time when you're sitting alone and/or thinking. it's not surviellance, just an interesting passtime when there's nothing to do. lots of people do it as a game with their friends. it could be used as an excuse to check out the sexes but who's going to ask what you're doing anyway?
2007-09-11 12:07:22 · answer #5 · answered by racer 51 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Entertainment, curiosity and learning about others. I don't think it's unusual. I do think it's unusual not to be interested in others, almost selfish and immature. There is a world outside ourselves and the things that only affect us.
2007-09-11 12:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by gypz9 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i also people watch simply because they are so interesting to look at and no two people look or do anything the same, not counting twins of course.but its just weird to watch people in groups funny strange angry weird hateful pretty ugly all so different.and i don't think most people watch just to check out the opposite sex its just people watching.
2007-09-11 12:03:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason behind people watching is to see what similarities and also differences people have compared to others and ourselves. And also to see if they can find something amusing or odd about people physically, and about people's personality.
2007-09-11 12:56:02 · answer #8 · answered by Tonya W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy people watching. It is very entertaining. I don't do it to judge others because I know I am know better than those I am watching and besides they are probably watching me also!!
2007-09-11 12:04:36 · answer #9 · answered by davinerg 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i can see why people watching is interesting (not fun, but something to do if bored or killing time)
i've deffinetly noticed some people. its fun to guess where people are going based on what they are wearing. admitedly i also tend to stereotype, which is bad, but i am aware of this and try to keep myself in check.
2007-09-11 12:01:47 · answer #10 · answered by zorro1701e 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋