The Joy of Crowd

As I sat in the large cafe, I could hear people talking and walking by. Lights were bright and the air was happy. Even though I was absorbed with work on my laptop, I fely like being part of a big community. That made me happy.

I discovered cafe after many nights’ eating at home alone. Being single,  the house feels too large and empty to me. That bright kitchen and big living room is all mine to use, but somehow they are too quiet. I want to be around people and feel that connection.

Being surrounded by people gives me energy and makes me feel connected.  How easy it is to get rid of isolation. It is so simple: Just surround yourself with people. Lots of single people and old people live by themselves. It is avoidable they feel lonely. Humans are social animals. We are born to work in groups. Without social fabric and human connection, we will die.

Now I understand why cafes and bars are so popular, especially in places with a lot of single and young people. People simply want to gather around others. It gives them joy and energy. Similarly public areas like malls and movie theaters attract people because there are crowds. Why do people spend $10 on a movie ticket instead of watching it at home for $3? Most of the time, you just want to sit in the crowd and share that experience. Movie going is so big in the US that it indicates how isolated most people are.

Loneliness is just an illusion. When you sit in a quiet room all by yourself, you feel you are separate from this world. But once you step into a public place, you realize you are similar to others and you are part of the world. Their joy gives your joy and their sorrow makes your heart heavy. As I watched a father lovingly guide his young daughter, I felt a deep sense of happiness myself. It made me realize we are all connected.

Married people are lucky ones who can build continusou relationship with their spouse and children. Single people, on the other hand, have a broader group to interact but the connection is somewhat superficial. Be it deeper or shallow, we simply need to be surrounded by others. It’s a fundamental human need.