To Say Hi or Not?
@Mitchell12783 (40)
United States
May 19, 2009 3:58pm CST
As i find myself walking around in my neighborhood i sometimes see people outside. Now most of the time they say hi to me, but occasionally they don't. Now at the same time i also do the same thing. Sometimes i wait to see if they will say hi to me first, and then come back with a "hey how are you, or how u doing." I'm just wondering what you think. I know that in most urban areas vs. rural areas people are a little bit more to themselves. Is there some sort of signal that people get from maybe a certain look or gesture that makes them say hi?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
19 May 09
It is about friendly look and maybe when you are making eye contact.
When I walk my dogs, everyone say hi, regardless of location.
Maybe dogs are giving people good conversion point....
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
21 May 09
depends where you go in Chicago...are you from Fax Lake, IL?
@Mitchell12783 (40)
• United States
21 May 09
i take it you live in Chicago? Don't you fell they are a loiitle less friendly down there?
@catarina_rg (580)
• Portugal
19 May 09
i always respond when people talk to me! i think it's very sweet of them and it contributes to make the place you live in, more cozy!
however, i rarely say 'hi' myself, sense the few times i tried to do it i got this ' you disgusting little being' look and they just walked away avoiding to look at me...
@Mitchell12783 (40)
• United States
19 May 09
I know what you mean. I have said "hi" myself and got the cold shoulder. It made me feel like crap, so hence i really don't go out of my way to say "hi", maybe if they are older like grandparents or something, they are usually polite.
@catarina_rg (580)
• Portugal
19 May 09
yes, old people are usually happy to have someone to talk to, even if it's just to say hi. it's those upper middle class couples who seem to be embarassed to talk to the commoner...
anyway, i've learned not to let it get to me. we are better than anyone who feels the need to diss others to feel good about themselves!
@gypsywoman344 (214)
• United States
20 May 09
Hi Mitchell,
I usually say hi and try to make eye contact. A smile helps too. In that quick second it also gives me a chance to get a "feel" for the person. By making it a habit of saying hi and making eye contact you set up an awareness of your surrowndings. A good thing for someone like me that lives in the rough area of Det. I have found it seems to melt even the coldest of hearts. I also believe the practic has saved me from being a target more than once.
After that first initial contact, you have the opportunity to decide how much more contact you want with this person. I still say hi even if they don't answere.
@Mitchell12783 (40)
• United States
21 May 09
I use to live in Chicago downtown. In that area people are so to themselves. Now i live in the suburbs of Chicago and people are a lot nicer. Plus it helps that when I'm out and about i usually have my son with me, and he is just adorable. A real chick magnet..:)
