The last month I have played this game a lot. It can be played anywhere where there are sufficiently many people to observe who you are not acquainted with. The guy sitting opposite to me in the suburban train does have an abnormally large nose. Look away when he's turning his head this way. And that girl is wearing the same coat as my friend back home. I am not looking at you, I am only looking around disinterestedly, and once in a while our eyes meet. Pure coincidence, of course. Oh look, I noticed that you live in the same street as I do. You have a really expensive jacket. What might your profession be? Are you a banker? Or perhaps an architect? And you have such excellent manners, you always let me get off the bus first and carefully avoid my eye. The moment you speak to your opponent, the game is over, then you become acquaintances. But do not let that happen. This is more fascinating.
The train stops. Everybody gets off and walks, orderly and swiftly, like a well-tuned clockwork, to the exit of the station. There is a tram waiting. Run and catch it. And now there is a new group of people in here. There, I have been noticing you on the train, student, for about a week, but I didn't realize you take the same tram as I do, and you actually get off at the same bus stop! Oh hi. But sorry. I am not supposed to nod at you. I am only allowed to look at you when I think you are not looking. And of course I hope you are looking at me too when I turn away.
Not all people play this game; it requires body language and attitude; and there is no gain waiting at the other end. But this is what we humans do when we get together in large groups.
This is what the Halloween party was about. Glad to have met you, Count Dracula.
