Something I couldn’t help but notice today. I work from home most days at my current job, but I’m in the office this week. I’m the sort of person who always looks strangers in the eye and says hello, or just a smile and nod… today as I walked through the buildings to get lunch, not one single person acknowledged me. I almost always get at least a few responses or at least a smile. Today, nothing, every single person stared at the floor, or intentionally looked away when I made eye contact.
I get that there are folks uncomfortable with such interactions, and so I am not offended or upset if I don’t get a response, but despite being surrounded by people, I don’t remember feeling more alone.
People have been retreating inwards for a while. The rise of smartphones and the pandemic were major leaps in it but it’s kept increasing.
It hasn’t been good for me as an extrovert and I think it’s gone terribly for everyone. You may not like small talk with people you see around but it makes you feel not alone
Something I couldn’t help but notice today. I work from home most days at my current job, but I’m in the office this week. I’m the sort of person who always looks strangers in the eye and says hello, or just a smile and nod… today as I walked through the buildings to get lunch, not one single person acknowledged me. I almost always get at least a few responses or at least a smile. Today, nothing, every single person stared at the floor, or intentionally looked away when I made eye contact.
I get that there are folks uncomfortable with such interactions, and so I am not offended or upset if I don’t get a response, but despite being surrounded by people, I don’t remember feeling more alone.
Just wanted to share, seems relevant.
People have been retreating inwards for a while. The rise of smartphones and the pandemic were major leaps in it but it’s kept increasing.
It hasn’t been good for me as an extrovert and I think it’s gone terribly for everyone. You may not like small talk with people you see around but it makes you feel not alone