KAWACHI: Take a risk

In light of the past few weeks, I’m forced to wonder: Where is the line between outgoing and creepy?
When at school, I am always inclined to form new friendships – to broaden my circle and knowledge of the world. Yet, it often seems difficult to reach out and form a connection with a perfect stranger.
Just the other day, my roommate and I were at lunch in Warren Towers. Two guys sat down behind us and began a conversation that I couldn’t help but overhear.  (And I’d like to clarify – I was not eavesdropping. We were quiet and they were really loud.)
They began discussing Woody Allen films – “Annie Hall” and “Midnight in Paris,” which happened to be two of my favorites. Those words were enough to pique my interest, in addition to their in-depth discussion of Allen as a director, and their criticisms of both films. At that point, I wanted to join the conversation and contribute my opinions, but then, one of the guys mentioned one of my favorite artists, Mark Rothko.
This was a major shock to me – outside the world of Art History, I had never met someone who knew of that particular painter, let alone spoke of his work in such a positive light. By then, I was dying to say something, to speak to this guy who could have possibly been the love of my life (except I’m completely joking about that), or at least a good friend.
Should I have said something? It’s not often that I meet people, especially males, genuinely interested in art (my fellow Art History majors will agree – the major is an estrogen tank).
My roommate urged me to interrupt, to say something like, “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear . . .”
To me, that was another way of saying, “Sorry, I’m a total creep and was eavesdropping on you.”
Of course, I immediately regretted my silence.  They soon left, as did we, and I haven’t seen the guy since.
I’ve had the idea for a while now to randomly make new friends in the dining hall. You know, at breakfast and lunch, a lot of people eat alone because schedules are difficult and time is often pressured. Whenever I see someone eating alone, I often want to muster the courage to go over and ask to join them – make their 30 minute food session a bit more interesting and a little less lonesome.
But alas, social dogma seems to shake its head at such actions. Nevertheless, I hope that one day – someday soon – I’ll actually do that, reach out to someone and find a new friend. Maybe you all could do the same. Who knows, that one person may become an invaluable friend or change your life.  Don’t be embarrassed and nervous like I was – take a risk in life, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Krissen Kawachi is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and a weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. She can be reached at k.kawachi@gmail.com