There are a lot of people who may have experienced static when they brush against another person or another item. Some electric charges will stay on the surface of the product and they may not be balanced. This explains why there are instances when you will feel that electricity will flow between you and another object.
Remember that the charge will remain on one surface unless it will already change due to its exposure to another object. There are different reasons why static electricity may build up. If you would rub your socks on the carpet, this will start to build static electricity. There are still other examples that are available.