We Are Really Strangers
December 11, 2022
Writer: Caroline Tully
Editor: Carolyn Berryman
I went to The Great Commoner to get some work done and treat myself to a vanilla latte and ham and cheese croissant. My planner was full of unfinished assignments, and I knew I needed to be productive. My eyes were glued to my computer screen, my fingers were typing faster than I could think, and my AirPods were blasting my Deep Focus playlist into my ears. I was in the zone. Until I wasn’t.
Suddenly, in the corner of my eye, a flash of color interrupted my focus.I looked up to find a man dressed in a fedora, dark round sunglasses, and a pink floor-length tweed coat. He waved to a man at another table and did a little twirl as he approached him. They talked for a minute or two and then he headed to the counter to order. He took off his hat and bowed at the baristas before ordering. Once he got his coffee, he waved goodbye to the baristas and his friend and did another twirl on his way out. Mind you, this was 9 AM on a Tuesday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I was in shock. I still don’t believe that this man was real. How could anyone have the confidence to literally waltz into a room? I had to tell everyone I knew about this mystery man. I talked about him in my English class, on the phone with my mom, at my club meeting, and with my friends from home. If I had to guess, at least 100 people have heard this story (and now you have, too).
I can’t quite put my finger on why this moment was so important to me. There was something about the way he was able to light up the room so naturally and pull me out of my deep state of concentration. It didn’t even feel like his extravagant outfit and visible presence was for attention either. He just seemed so purely and wholly content with himself.
I couldn’t help but wonder if this man knew the impression that he left on me. I’m sure he just left and went on with the rest of his day, unaware that I would tell so many people about him and, even, write an article about him. Who's to say this man even noticed me in the coffee shop or knows that I exist?
I believe that herein lies the beauty of strangers: we never know how much our words and actions impact others. It’s easy for us to recognize the responsibilities we have in our roles as friends, daughters, sons, students, etc. but we don’t consider the role we play in bystanders' lives. A simple compliment could be just the confidence boost that someone needed. A kind gesture could be the reason someone decides to pay it forward. A smile could make someone finally feel like they aren’t invisible. On an even simpler level, being our true, authentic selves can spark joy and influence others to do the same. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire a stranger to write an article about you, too!
Photo: Julia Bonnano
