I am sitting in Starbucks (a regular occurrence for me this summer) trying to get some work done on this beautiful Thursday afternoon (mild 70s weather meant for September). Halfway across the room, a man is sitting at his laptop with a sign taped to the back of his screen that says, “Tell me your story. I’ll buy you a drink.”

Over the past 3 hours, I have watched people cautiously eyeing this sign. Probably thinking something along the lines of…why does this man want to know my story? Most of these cautious eyes never rise out of their chair to investigate. But…a few brave souls do.

Most of these brave souls arrive at the table…still a bit cautious…and begin with idle chit chat, eventually arriving at the big question…why do you want to know my story? I am sitting too far away to hear his exact answer but, whatever it is, everyone of these brave souls have sat down to tell their story.

This afternoon has reminded me of something that often fascinates me…many of us yearn for privacy (sometimes demanding it) but often seek out opportunities (such as the one presented in this Starbucks) to tell our story.

Why is this? I think that we do this because it is an opportunity to connect with someone…receiving validation or empathy or maybe just to get it all out.

In some ways, it reminds me of therapy. People walk into the room either: (a) wanting an answer to the question: What do I do?, (b) wanting to tell their story and to receive validation and empathy, or (c) wanting to sit down, talk, and receive nothing more than an occasional head nod.

Even if we are not aware of our need to connect, it’s there…in many different forms.