I found a new interest while I was reading a book: Studying of body language. I was amazed by how it taught me to be more sensitive towards people — in terms of paying attention to own or even someone else body language even though their actions and/or speech says otherwise.

I have to admit that I’m those sort who is monotonous and not very good at approaching people. I’m more comfortable with close friends and thus, this make me unwilling to step out of my comfort zone when required. I’ve been trying to improve on this kind of feelings for some time and things are on track. I realized that by stepping out of one’s comfort zone and being exposed to various situation, one will be more daring and willing to take on new challenges/tasks, which can greatly help to boast the confidence level especially when conversing business associate, superior, strangers or even giving a speech.

In order to test myself to see if I completely understand what I read, I decided to do a mini observation by myself while on my way home this evening. I was on a bus and noted some observations right from the point when one board the bus till the point when he/she finds a seat or even a comfortable place to settle down.

Observations: 9 out of 10 would focus their attention to the rows of seats available. Most of the time, their eye would refuse to maintain direct contact with other passengers while their mind are working to decide a suitable seat — preferably one that is not occupied at all. 95% would go for seats that are empty and remain in a “world of their own” though there is a minority who would choose to seat with someone else. However, I’ve noticed that if there is a need for one to share seats with a stranger, its facial expression shows that his/her mind is racing to make up a decision on whether he/she should seat with that person.

Interesting as it may seem, however, I’m curious to know the cause for this kind of reaction. Perhaps, a psychologist or someone out there can enlighten me? What about sharing your personal experiences and/or observations?