This cartoon was inspired by my daily train trips to work. I remember there was a time when some passengers would strike up casual conversations, or make eye contact with regular passengers to simply say ‘hi’ to a familiar face. But now, it’s very different. Over 90% are glued to some form of technology; it’s silent and all heads are down. I sometimes think if I came in dressed in a clown suit, no one would notice.
Unless I’m traveling, I don’t take much public transport, but even in restaurants and other places, people are always glued to their phone. I have to admit, it’s nice to have my phone when I’m waiting in line. I can go through emails, catch up on social media, etc. while I’m waiting. But in the old days, we might have chatted with each other in line. Then again, as an introvert, I don’t tend to make small talk with strangers anyway, so my phone saves me. 😁
Ah, yes the introvert (I keep forgetting as you are so ‘extroverted’ on social media 🙂 ) – I forgot that angle. Works as a convenient shield I guess.
When a younger person living in the bubble on transit sitting occupying seats for elderly and physically challenge, I strike up a conversation to offer their seats to them or me. I must admit when I am sitting, I play candy crush, otherwise, I am all eyes and ears.
Ah yes Seeker, I like the way you work. I know another lady who has a similar approach. I often think that people use their phone as an excuse to say, but hey, I didn’t see you there, of course I would have offered a seat. Nice one!
It is the same in Toronto, but there are still some conversations between strangers. I was on a business trip recently which involved three flights were I didn’t know anybody (the fourth flight I sat next to someone I knew). One of the first three involved a real conversation, the others didn’t. Sometimes it isn’t a bad thing when you are tired and don’t have much energy. Then again, you never know who will be sitting beside you.
Interesting interactions all on one travel journey. My partner found himself sitting next to a famous DJ/mixer from way back in the eighties (worked for people like Tears for Fears, Duran Duran etc). Of course, he wasn’t recognisable to Jonathan, but once they got talking, he heard so many new and interesting stories from someone who has led a very different life to that of a scientist!