I think it depends on what you make it. I'm pretty laid back now, but spent a fair amount of time being REALLY alert and aware of everything going on around me. It didn't affect my behavior that much as I don't think I changed anything because of it, I was just more likely to be ready to respond when/if something happened. Your head gets on a swivel and your eyes are moving all the time checking things out, but you can still go to the crowded place.