Staring At Strangers ((top)) -

For writers and artists, staring—or "people-watching"—is a foundational exercise. Yiyun Li's Trick for Honest Writing: Staring at Strangers

But the body craves the gaze. Psychologist Arthur Aron famously proved that staring into a stranger's eyes for four minutes can increase feelings of closeness and even love. Why? Because oxytocin—the bonding hormone—is partially triggered by mutual gaze. Staring at Strangers

While social norms generally dictate avoiding direct eye contact with strangers, the act of "people-watching" is a common pastime. For writers and artists