lately, people in public spaces have gotten so friendly here in my neighborhood. i’m not quite sure why this is. i’ve thought it might have something to do with the polar temperatures of late. somehow it feels like people can be less guarded, less polarized, and more open, less stifled with each other when they’re frozen. there’s more air around you, more open space, even if that space is a tundra.

or maybe it’s just me. or my awareness. yesterday, on the crowded train, when a seat opened up. this person standing next to me kindly offered me the seat and when i responded by offering it to her, she seemed almost shocked. which almost shocked me. another layer of shared experience. i was happy to see her sitting there, reading, for the duration of my 20 minute ride. as if i had just given something to someone… who accepted it. it was comforting.

and more and more people are engaging me in conversations in elevators. workers at my local grocery store seem happy to see me and pat me on the back as i walk by. everybody seems to be holding doors open for me, even if i am holding  doors open for them. nobody seems to mind if you admire their hats. although my hat makes me a little self-conscious.

something feels different, but i’m not sure what that is. it might be the dawn of a new age. or it might just be that my eyes are more open.