Thomas Knox: Connecting on a subway platform

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Thomas KnoxNew Yorker Thomas Knox encourages human connection while playing games on a subway platform.

If you live in a major city anywhere in the world, a nerve-wrecking and miserable daily commute is probably a part of your daily routine.

But, can a meaningful conversation – an opportunity to make a human connection – make your daily commute an uplifting experience rather than a dreaded chore?

This is the premise of Date While You Wait.

Thomas Knox sets up a table and two chairs, inviting strangers to join him for a conversation or to play a game – all while they wait for their train to arrive.

“I learn so much more from people when I have a conversation with them, rather than me just looking at them and assuming,” says Thomas.

“Connection is really something we’ve been missing, as a society as a whole.”

Thomas’ favorite game to play during these chats? Connect Four.

“I want to do something that is fun and cool to give people the ability to do positive things and connect,” explains Thomas.

Besides getting to know strangers, Thomas even had an opportunity to play with the creator of Connect Four, Howard Wexler.

Thomas Knox: Connecting on a subway platform

New Yorker Thomas Knox encourages human connection while playing games on a subway platform.


And, like the name of the game, Thomas’ “Date While You Wait” social experiment is all about connecting people – especially in a place like New York City where life’s distractions often mean missing out on its simple joys.

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