I’ve noticed sometimes people wear sunglasses on subways.
Which is funny, because obviously underground the sun is not shining. But it does create an aura of mystery around a person, and I have sometimes wondered, “Who is that?”
So yesterday morning I tried something: I wore sunglasses on the subway.
What I noticed is a few people did sneak a look at me. It was also a lot of fun. But it also felt strange to intentionally draw attention to myself, as on the subway the goal is usually to be anonymous.
But then, as time passed on the train, I began to reflect on the relationship we have to people around us and how we can begin to imagine how we are being seen by others. And of course, we have no idea how other people perceive us. Which then led me to the thought if we really have no idea what people think of us, why not see ourselves in the best light?
Why not, as Brianna Wiest once put it, “see yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you?” Or as whole and complete, exactly as we are? Or even if we want, as a movie star wearing sunglasses on the subway? If we have absolutely no idea what other people think, why not think the best about yourself?
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