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Sitting back and watching scenes unfold before you is a highly entertaining and educational activity. The trick to a successful observation is discretion. DO NOT let the subject know they are being watched. Subtlety is the key.

A perfect background to blend into is somewhere densely populated. A prime example is Starbucks. Starbucks is filled with people who are very busy pretending to be very busy. Basically, it's a fine testing area to observe the human species in their natural state. Grab a comfortable cushioned chair, and remember you might be there for a while. And don't forget to blend in buy a coffee.

"People watching" can be done alone or in a group. If the latter, try to set the chairs in a circle you don't want to be sitting in a line staring at people OBVIOUS!

Copy the attendees and busy yourself with something inconsequential a book to read, a notebook to scribble in. Most people are oblivious to their surroundings, to a certain extent, so no loud commentary.

Part of the enjoyment of watching strangers interact with one another besides noticing the various idiosyncrasies and colorful personalities is filling in the blanks, making up what is going on.

You might hit the bull's eye; you might be off the board. Regardless, you definitely had an enjoyable experience (or at least whittled away a few hours of boredom).

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