The Hanging Out Experience

Sharing knowledge through communication

Is hanging out really an issue? From my point of view, the more we hang out with someone, the more we'll understand the particular individual. It’s like going on a date – without the flirting. When we hang out, we are practically socializing, sharing the thoughts that cloud our minds. We talk about life, we share the information we consume, we talk about our interests, and we also gossip. Most important of all, hanging out gives us the opportunity to get to know people.

By hanging out we become observers of our surroundings. We tend to notice the people around us and observe their lifestyles. Sometimes we even eavesdrop, unintentionally perhaps. Through hanging out we can also see the world for what it really is. Doing so, we tend to be outdoors and when outdoors, peculiar situations will happen to the people around us. By experiencing situations that happen to people, we can learn through such events. We learn to view the world through the tinted lenses of other individuals – an enriching experience in itself.

We can also get to know more people by hanging out, as friends will introduce you to their friends. While we chat with individuals, topics will unfold, and when it comes to a topic about life, we will learn of the particular individual's experiences. By understanding one another's experiences, we are learning of the particular individual we are communicating with. From listening to their stories, we can apply essences of the path he has chosen to our current ways.

The list of topics to indulge in are very broad. When talking about interests, you can go from sports to cars, from lifestyle to news items and from politics to ancient history. The list is never-ending. You can babble on and on about a particular topic, especially when you’re on the same page with the individuals you communicate with. Then from one topic, we will keep on jumping on to other topics. What is even better is if they can relate to the topics you're talking about because by sharing the same interests, one can also start to make friends.

Gossiping: is this actually a bad thing? Everybody does it. By gossiping we are sharing our understanding on others, with others. And when I say others, I mean everybody you know; including the famous people that you look up to or even despise. Through gossiping we can find out about the particular person's character and personality; thus questions like 'What’s so great about him?' and 'What’s so bad about him?' will be answered. Unfortunately, when there is good, there is also bad. Gossiping can also become the cause of destruction to friendships and reputations. Once the secret is out, shame is brought upon the other. On top of that, lies can also be created, sometimes to fabricate the stories of others. Then again, it would all depend on one's morality. If we use it wisely, we would be able to understand the cultures of others and the life they are currently living and had gone through. Gossiping is actually an intelligent thing to do for it is a key to the learning of all men.

In view of all these aspects of hanging out, let us consider things from a Malaysian point of view. Consider the mamak stall: the mother of all hang-out spots here in Malaysia. Malaysians are known to love three things: eating, communicating, and doing both at the same time. Mamak provides a place where we can enjoy food and communication – both being keys to living. Due to this, the mamak is never closed. Of course communication and connection can be done via phone and internet, but I'm sure most people would agree that nothing beats face-to-face communication. So many colourful, enriching Malaysian experiences can be found in a mamak setting. There are those who people-watch, there are those who make friends and widen their social circle, and of course there is a never-ending stream of gossiping. Everything – from mundane experiences to the deepest philosophy – is discussed in a mamak stall.

Hanging out is actually done by almost everyone. People just don't realize that hanging out means just the same as going somewhere to have a chat. On top of that, feelings are being shared. Hanging out basically helps us to create a bond with another individual. By hanging out more, strangers become acquaintances, acquaintances become friends, and friends will turn out to be close friends. The more we hang out with a particular individual, the more will we understand his or her ways. Of course now one can do all of the above at home through the internet but then again, if I may take a line from the song 'Idiot Box' by Incubus; “What's the use of autonomy when a button does it all?”

Written by : Putera Muhamad Ashraf
Edited by : Ong Kay Jen