The Case for Playing in Traffic

Figuratively Speaking

Your parents probably told you more than once not to play in traffic, but maybe they missed the point.

So many people today are cooped up in their homes or stressfully shuttling back and forth to work, spending what little free time they have doomscrolling on social media.

It’s no surprise loneliness and depression are supposedly at all-time highs. (Although it’s hard to know if that’s quantifiably provable over long periods of time, but we’ll go with it for the sake of argument.)

I’m certainly not immune. I work from home, freelance after hours, squeeze in time to work on my novel, and still try to be present with my family. It’s a lot.

It’s easy to see why maintaining friendships—or even making new ones—gets harder with age.

But I wasn’t talking about playing in literal traffic. I meant putting yourself out there.

Walks around the neighborhood that started as a push to get back in shape and get some fresh air turned into meeting neighbors with young kids.

My wife finding a homeschool co-op and getting more involved with our church naturally led to meeting more parents—people in the same life stage, juggling the same chaos, who we could actually relate to.

Although I learned to be more outgoing in past careers, I’m still an introvert at heart. My wife’s the connector, the one with great ideas, naturally friendly, able to talk to just about anyone.

Some say I am too, but she’s the pro. I just had to find her and marry her.

It’s easy to forget that most of us are the same when you strip it down. We’re awkward. We want connection. We’re figuring it out as we go. That means we shouldn’t try so hard to impress people. Just be yourself. Don’t force it, but don’t stay invisible either.

I guess it does sound like dating advice when you put it like that—and sure, it applies there too—but it’s really no different for parents just trying to make friends.

The best parts of life often come from moments when you’re “in traffic.” A quick conversation with a neighbor. A random introduction that turns into a friendship. A story idea sparked by a real-life encounter.

You never know what might come of it. Maybe a new friend, a fresh opportunity, or just something worth remembering.

So play in traffic. Get outside a little more. Put yourself in the right places. And see where it takes you.