The Science of Mating

Take our Are You a Good First Date?

Find a therapist near me

SABS stands for "see and be seen." SABSing is about hanging out in a public area and being approachable.

The term is new but this more open approach has long been common in various countries and cultures.

It may reflect a broader interest in more authentic and IRL connections that are less planned/transactional.

SABSing can bring more serendipity into your life. Just be reasonably vigilant, and know how to be direct.

If you are on a college campus, maybe you see a new trend. It's students wanting to "see and be seen" more or SABS for short. And as you'll soon see, SABSing is about hanging out in a public place and making yourself more visible and approachable in order to attract more spontaneous connections for dating, friendship, or otherwise. You'll see how SABSing doesn't have to be limited to college campuses, either.

To do the SABSing thing, first go to some highly-trafficked public area—such as a park, a campus lawn, a popular coffee shop, a busy thoroughfare, the entrance to your promiscuous friend's domicile, or wherever you are more likely to encounter many random people. Then show via your body language that you are clearly open to off-the-cuff conversations to develop. This means not doing anything that may say, "Don't bother me"—like wearing headphones, staying focused on your oh-so-important smartphone, or staring intensely at your groin. Instead, maintain an open posture and readily establish eye contact, smile at, and say hello to people who may approach you.

SABSing is the opposite of what many may usually do in public settings—which is to try to remain unseen and just stick to the same familiar people. It's also the opposite of what you may do when you........

© Psychology Today