Coincidences

I recently listened to a This American Life podcast about coincidences. I happen to be one of those people who thinks that coincidences are the coolest thing ever and I love hearing them. I LIVE for these stories! I am pretty much in true awe when someone has a good coincidence story.

The wonderful reporters at This American Life were saying that people generally think that their own coincidences are far superior than those told by others. We generally don't think that other people's coincidences are really that coincidental or amazing.

Other people just flat out don't believe in coincidences. Studies say that these are supposed to be the practical people out there who have an explanation for everything. Of course this makes me think because I have always considered myself to be a practical person. I am a science major who LOVES to give explanations for why things happen but I also LOVE a good story about how 2 people just happened to be in the same place at the same time and what it could possibly mean.

Here are just a few coincidences in my own life (since about half of you out there may care):

• My name is Kelli and my sister's name is Kati. My sister's boyfriend, Brian, has 2 sisters: Kelly and Katie. Bonus- Kelly is an attorney..... and I almost am.
• My mom's birthday is March 20. My boyfriend's mom's birthday is March 20.
• A few years ago when I was shopping for a condo, I picked a random unit in a big complex to go in to see the layout and the person living there was a Clemson graduate. I am also a Clemson graduate. We are all the way in Cincinnati now which is not that close to Clemson, SC. I was obviously drawn to this condo by fate.
• My sister and I don't live in the same city and don't go shopping together. On several occasions, we have bought the same shirt/skirt/whatever separately and worn it on the same day when meeting up for a family function or to hang out.  

So, which type of coincidence person are you? Do you love hearing everyone's coincidental stories? Or do you think there are no coincidences in life? What are some of your cool coincidences? You know I would love to hear them!!


Here is a link to the podcast in case you are interested: This American Life: No Coincidence, No Story!

I highly recommend this podcast in general, they do a really good job.