For many years, people have asked me why I like to just watch people, and my response has always been, "You'd be surprised what you learn just watching and listening." Through observation, you learn that it's not uncommon for things to seem different than what they are, even things that are right in front of us, yet there can be similarities, and to a silent observer, these can be kind of puzzling. Two friends playing a game against each other can seem to be the worst of enemies at each others throats, two people who are just having trouble understanding each other can seem like two people in a heated argument, each trying to prove their own point.
I had a similar experience today at work between my supervisor and one of the loader drivers, both people I know like to joke with each other. I don't know exactly what went on, but while I was sweeping by one of the conveyor belts, I heard what sound like my supervisor yelling, and not too happily. I looked up to see him walking to get a sample off another conveyor, and to me, things pointed to him being upset: His pace was a little faster, shoulders seemed a little rigid, and his hands in his gloves seemed clenched. I then look at the loader driver, heading up to the press controls not too far behind, and I see him laughing. I didn't know if it was another joke with them or if something might have been said that my supervisor didn't like.
I stepped carefully around him for a few minutes, just to be safe. After my fifteen minute break not too long after, it seemed nothing was different, which, although I didn't ask to see what had happened, lead me to believe either it was another joke, or whatever was said wasn't very major.
I mention this because it raised a thought in my mind: If someone were to see or hear something between you and one of your friends, whatever it is, how might they misinterpret it? Sure, to some, this may seem trivial, and everyone has certain ways of acting or joking around friends, but, to an outsider looking in, could it seem different than what it is?
Just a penny's worth of thoughts for anyone who wants to read it.
I had a similar experience today at work between my supervisor and one of the loader drivers, both people I know like to joke with each other. I don't know exactly what went on, but while I was sweeping by one of the conveyor belts, I heard what sound like my supervisor yelling, and not too happily. I looked up to see him walking to get a sample off another conveyor, and to me, things pointed to him being upset: His pace was a little faster, shoulders seemed a little rigid, and his hands in his gloves seemed clenched. I then look at the loader driver, heading up to the press controls not too far behind, and I see him laughing. I didn't know if it was another joke with them or if something might have been said that my supervisor didn't like.
I stepped carefully around him for a few minutes, just to be safe. After my fifteen minute break not too long after, it seemed nothing was different, which, although I didn't ask to see what had happened, lead me to believe either it was another joke, or whatever was said wasn't very major.
I mention this because it raised a thought in my mind: If someone were to see or hear something between you and one of your friends, whatever it is, how might they misinterpret it? Sure, to some, this may seem trivial, and everyone has certain ways of acting or joking around friends, but, to an outsider looking in, could it seem different than what it is?
Just a penny's worth of thoughts for anyone who wants to read it.
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