I had this odd experience on the bus the other day. Usually I sit with the Daily Texan or a book to read, my Ipod playing, and totally in my own world oblivious to what is going on around me. I get on early in the route, so there are a lot of empty spaces to spread out. As the bus gets closer to campus, it gets increasingly crowded so I eventually have to give up the extra seat i was using to stretch out or put my stuff on so those getting on can have a seat.

On this particular day, I had just looked up to see a flood of people getting on, casually making eye contact with one of them. My eyes quickly moved to look out the window, but i grabbed my backpack and tucked it under my legs to clear the space next to me and sure enough they sat down. Not a word was said, not even any more shared glances, just empty space. Should I take of my headphones to open myself to conversation or should I remain closed off? Would it be awkward to make such a gesture, in effect signalling that I want to be open? Is that kind of openness bad? Are we expected to have our bubbles? More questions than answers came running through my head so I decided to go with the easy road and remain oblivious, turning to look out the window and wait for the trip to end. It was a potential conversation missed.