In a world where everyone’s glued to their phones or rushing from one place to the next, the idea of meeting someone spontaneously - like in an elevator or at the coffee shop - seems almost laughable. Nobody really chats anymore. Everyone’s either working from home or busy scrolling through Instagram on their commute, and those chance encounters that used to define everyday life feel fewer and further between.
But here’s the thing: those moments still exist, just in a different form. Take the guy I always see at my local coffee shop. I don’t know his name. Hell, we’ve probably exchanged a total of five words in the last three months, but we see each other. Every morning, we nod in mutual recognition as we wait in line for our overpriced caffeine fix. He’s the guy who orders an almond milk latte with extra foam - definitely not someone I’d hang out with outside of this ritual, but I still look forward to seeing him. It’s like a tiny human connection that happens without any real effort.
Then there’s the girl who walks her dog through Tompkins Square Park every morning. We pass each other almost every day, and while I pet her golden doodle Ross, we exchange a “what’s up?” or a “how’s it going?” We then both go about our business, but we’re familiar. I don’t know her name, but I know her dog's name and I see them often. I’m not going to invite her to dinner, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy these little interactions. There’s something comforting in seeing the same people regularly, even if you’ll never get to know them beyond those brief exchanges.
These types of encounters might not lead to lifelong friendships, but they add a little something to your day. They make life feel more human. They’re the flowers in the garden - the tiny bursts of joy in an otherwise monotonous routine. Sure, it’s a little weird that we see each other so often, yet have never exchanged names, but I kind of love that about it. It’s not forced, it’s just life.
And that’s what I love about New York - especially the East Village. It’s a place where these random, almost invisible, connections can thrive. People come and go, sharing space for just a moment before moving on with their lives. It's real, it’s raw, and it’s human.
So next time you’re out and about, take a second. Look around, smile at the person next to you. You might not become best friends, but you’ll add another story to your day. And who knows? Maybe they’ll be the next person you nod to every morning at your favorite coffee shop.
-Ajay
😌