Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Consistent Stranger

For those of you who may or may not know, I ride the train into work each day. I live 50 miles away from work, so this is clearly the cheapest alternative for me. Everyday, I generally see the same people with a few new ones thrown in the mix. I figure there are about 10 new faces for every cent that gas prices increase!

Today, I was sitting with a group of folks who have been riding for quite some time. We were commenting on how you have the "regulars" and the "tourists". Occasionally, there will be some kind of function that facilitates these "tourists" on the train. The trains are absolutely packed these days. This morning, it was standing room only. Our group was discussing how we're going to have to start implementing preferred seating for the regulars...because these "tourists" are strangers. We've never seen them before. We've been riding the train forever and always sit in the same place. :) Then, the guy seated with our little group, said...I guess we are all really strangers, but at least we are consistent strangers! I thought that was a great description for us. We see the same people everyday, but we are still strangers. I don't know the names of the people I sat with this morning, even though we chatted practically the whole ride. We may be strangers, but at least we are consistent. How many consistent strangers do you have in your life?

3 comments:

Mindyb said...

Hey Candace! I just discovered your blog. I am putting in my favorites. Come visit mine too!

The Carter's said...

Hey Mindy! I will! Thanks for the comment.

Lauren J. said...

I really like this post. It's very true that you see people all the time, but don't really know them. That's how Starbucks is for me. Every place I've lived I've attended the local Starbucks on a regular basis every morning and come to recognize those that come in around the same time I do.