It is 7:09 AM and I am waiting for the subway train (or “the T” here in Boston) to depart. There are 12 other passengers in the car with me, wait…now 13, and I have not heard one word uttered besides one single mouse-like “excuse me.” The train departs. A few people have headphones on, a few read, and a few have their eyes closed. I can’t tell if people are actually sleeping or not. It seems that people on the T will do anything to avoid human contact, especially in the morning. Why? Because it takes effort, it is potentially awkward, and because it threatens one’s comfort zone. “Davis Square, doors open on the right” says the lackluster conductor. About a dozen more passengers enter. Same thing.

During this morning’s trip, only one person really stood out to me. He looked to be in his early 30’s, had on hiking shoes and REI-ish style clothing, and looked to be pretty normal overall. However, his ipod-style headphones were blasting "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. Just about every passenger gave him a look. Some gave quick glances, and others looked like they expected to see a 16 year old girl, but were confused and shocked to see a man instead. Now I have rocked out to this song on several occasions and I bet at least half the passengers on the train have as well. Props to this dude for not caring.