Psychology says people who love sitting by the window and observe strangers maybe curious about their environment

For some people, looking out of a home window is an oddly satisfying ritual. They may sit with a cup of tea and watch pedestrians walk past, notice a neighbor leaving for work, observe children playing, follow changes in the weather or simply watch the street become busier and quieter throughout the day. It can look like idle time, but psychology suggests that this kind of observation may involve several processes at once, including curiosity, environmental attention, visual exploration and restoration. Research by environmental psychologist Rachel Kaplan found that views from home can provide opportunities for psychological restoration, particularly when those views contain natural elements.

That does not mean everyone who watches from a window has a particular personality type. But for some people, the window may offer a uniquely comfortable way of interacting with the outside world.