Social Experiment Time!
So I have a good amount of time in-between my classes at school (more free time then I actually have class) SO! I have decided to do two things with this free time. The first being completely of inconsequence to the rest of this post (however being the type of person that I am I will disclose it to you) I plan on attending an additional Tae Kwon Do class right after my originally scheduled one (mostly because I suck and would like to get better and a faster rate then what I would if I only attended one). Secondly, and more a part of this topic I am going to start an experiment (cue dramatic music…. And silence).
The basis of this experiment is the increasing lack of “available” seating in the student lounges at my school. I say “available” as such because it is socially inappropriate to sit at an almost empty table with someone you don’t know. Now, I think that is a silly concept but “we” as humans seem to have the complete inability to say “hi” or even be comfortable sitting next to someone. For example when you are at a movie theater that is not particularly packed noticed how there is at least one seat in between each person or group of people. So the concept of taking up a whole table to yourself that could potentially sit three or four is a waste and plus isn’t college supposed to be about meeting people?
My theory is if you can be the instigator or social lubricant if you will and invite people to the table you inhabit that puts all the awkwardness on you and little on the person being squished in the uncomfortable left over seats. Ok so that is a basis and theory for an experiment now for the parameters of the actual experiment.
I being the experimenter during my time between classes will attempt to talk to and invite people who look like they are juggling various books and food to the table that I occupy (since typically I am in the lounge early enough to have my pick of tables) and at that stage I will attempt even in a small way to change the social norm even if only for that one person at that one time.
This is also an experiment on myself as I am not an extrovert by any means. Typically I love my alone time and tend to keep to myself. I hate bringing attention to myself and often get anxious or nervous at the thought of talking to someone I don’t know well. Today I started the experiment and met Lauren, She is a biology major and was trying to eat, read and write all while sitting in a chair juggling her many items. She gladly accepted my invitation to sit at the table and I (probably making the situation more awkward then it had to be) attempted small conversation but not to the point as to interrupt any studying she needed to do. It was slightly awkward at first but felt much more normal towards the end. Probably not going to be a new friend but hopefully this interaction will encourage more and may lead to meeting some fantastic new people. I am optimistic =)
