Dancing to music in public

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I know it’s a stupid idea, but I do it anyways. I notice that a lot of people smile at me or look like they want to talk to me. I understand why I might get looked at, but why the smiles? I’m always wearing headphones, so shouldn’t that be a sign I don’t want to talk to people. Do they think I look childlike or something?

I do it too and I have noticed people watching me. Or if it’s music everyone can hear they stare even more.

Being child-like is an admirable quality. Much different from being child-ish.

I agree.

I believe it's because people think you're happy when you're dancing to music in public.

People like to watch happy people; it makes them happy for the moment. It makes you more "approachable."

That’s a good way to put it.

I’d consider myself hyper/upbeat, but nowhere near being happy. I hate being approachable. I try to make my style look unapproachable, but I guess enjoying music ruins it all. When people look at me too long I frown at them, but apparently they don’t notice or care.

It would be wrong, for yourself, to deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying your music just because you don't want others to see your enjoyment.

Just tell them that you're having a "private moment" should they get too curious.

Sage advice.

So I was just doing some artwork/coloring at Starbucks while my mom was doing some homework. I got another stranger smiling at me. Ugh, I hate when strangers smile at me. It always happens when I do childish/happy things like enjoying music or art. It’s no one’s business when I’m feeling happy. I do not want to be someone’s inspiration or mood booster. Go watch dumb Facebook videos, not strangers minding their own business.

Maybe they don't use Facebook or don't like watching dumb videos. Strangers? Isn't all of humanity one big family anyway?

No.

Genetic evidence shows we are. When aliens attack we either unite or die!

Most music doesn't make me want to dance. And sometimes I'm too embarrassed to dance in public (like at a local show, or a wedding, bar, etc.)

But sometimes at work, I've got my own music going, and I'm in a good mood, singing along, hand drumming, and I can't really help it

My area is kind of like a cave, so sometimes I forget that people can still see me in there.


Speaking of local shows, I'm trying to get better about moving my body when I play them. Nobody wants to see a bunch of stiff statues on stage.

If you repeatedly find your public behaviors draw a smile from strangers, you have a choice. You can stop doing those things in public and only do them in private; or you can accept that you bring momentary happiness to strangers, and just not worry about it; or you can let those strangers' smiles harsh your mellow. Which of these choices makes the most sense to you? Note, there is no wrong answer. It's whatever choice works for you.