I'm typically aware of my sound profile. My father used to take me hunting when I was very young, and he was very quick to praise me if I could tramp through the forest quietly. Sometimes I still find myself rolling from the outside of my foot just for the heck of it. I think this has extended into other things that I do. Sometimes I am just conscious of moving through my environment without much disturbance. That said, I like a bit of activity around me when I work, especially the mix of music and conversation in a coffee shop. I don't think I'd enjoy the quiet car. It would just amplify any noise that did occur.
Ha! My god, I thought I was the only one. I also make ridiculous attempts to lower my sound profile for no reason at all, although I suspect it comes from an as yet unextinguished childish desire to one day become a ninja.
I'm right there with you guys. I walk a little quicker and a heck of a lot quieter than most of the people around my town, and I find that I tend to sneak up on people a whole lot. It can be weird but I try to just ignore it and keep walking. And when it comes to climbing stairs, I try to be as nimble and soft as possible. Total ninja. Speaking of a bit of activity during work, mk, I love working in coffee shops myself.