>Punctuality is the politeness of kings. Louis XVIII
Something interesting happened after I wrote my last post. It's like I removed a firewall and ideas started flowing. They won't leave me alone until I write them down.
This one came to me on a train. Most of my ideas show up on the road, in cafés, while walking. That makes sense your brain is more active when relaxed, entering what's called theta rhythm. Want to boost creativity? Get moving.
Here's the thing about being punctual: I'm always early, always waiting. Over time, I've learned to appreciate this weightless moment. Like Neil Armstrong floating in space, you can discover ideas, call loved ones, or just drift in your inner world.
While waiting in a café, I watched a twenty-something guy walk in with his grandmother. Unusual. Elderly people in our culture don't often enter establishments like this.
My brain started filling gaps.
Maybe he's visiting for vacation and she mentioned this used to be their favorite spot, back when grandfather was alive. So they ordered coffee and éclairs while she shared memories.
Maybe she never accepts his compliments about her cooking, so he brought her here to prove his point.
The real story is probably more mundane. But for me, they'll always be the grandson and grandmother sharing something meaningful over coffee.
We do this constantly. Create narratives for strangers. Just like Humans of New York, we photograph moments and fill in the gaps.
Here's what I realized: those stories we invent aren't really about them.
They're about us. What we notice. What we value. How we see the world.
The person who imagines romantic stories sees romance everywhere. The cynic creates cynical narratives.
Your stories about strangers are actually stories about you.
And that makes people-watching the most honest mirror you'll find.
P.S. After writing this, I found someone actually created a guide for this (https://www.wikihow.com/Begin-People-Watching). Of course they did.
These are the thoughts that surface on trains with no internet.