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Mikaela Blackler's avatar

I very much enjoyed this essay, but I too was thrown off by the karaoke lady!

I was really hoping you’d say you took her there yourself. And where I’m coming from, is following the lead of strangers and derailing my plans for them has led to some of the best turning points of my life… but at minimum at least an interesting story. Maybe next time?

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Will Mannon's avatar

Plot twist...I thought the interaction with then karaoke woman was going to a special moment of serendipity you were thankful for, that you would've missed with your headphones in. Not where I expected things to go!

I'm torn on this. Sometimes I feel guilty for having headphones in too much (ex: I've been on the streets of China and realize that I'd rather be soaking in the unique environment around me rather than listening to whatever I'm listening to). But at the same time...man they boost the quality of my life, every single day. I love having headphones. I guess I trust myself enough to take them out when I get a gut feeling to do so (elevators would be another example, I prefer to unplug and say a quick hello to other people in the elevator). But maybe I could unplug a bit more than I already do

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