Everyday
By Daveslaw
@Daveslaw (65)
Australia
July 18, 2009 9:58am CST
OK everyone I would like as much discussion on this topic, from both sides because i would like to hear other's point of views.
When you are walking down the street, in the shopping centre, walking through a carpark, in a building, etc. and someone say hello, how ya goin, or something along those lines.... why do some people snob them?
I always try to make the effort to say hello to people and the number of people that don't reply, and in some larger cities, when you say something to a stranger they look scared or surprised you said something... haha!
Why?
7 responses
@ChrysanTflower (1607)
• Indonesia
18 Jul 09
Of course! Who are they (the strangers who say 'hello') ??
why they say hello to me? Am I know him/her before or maybe he is my old friend? ..or in the worst case, he is a bad person or people that can do hypnotist just by say some words! Nooooo.. it's dangerous! it's big city,,we don't know all people here, that people can come from anywhere with unclear background!.. or he just say hello to people behind me?
hehe.. that's the things that pop up in my head if there's stranger say 'hello' to me.. but if the person is my neighbor or someone I've seen or know before, of course I'll reply and start conversation^^,, better to always be careful, I think^^,,
@workatnight (9)
• United States
18 Jul 09
I do notice that people seem to be afraid of each other. They won't talk in an elevator or say hello in a grocery store. You can't get hurt from someone saying hello. I usually don't initiate a hello to strangers but always respond to one said. There is no need to have a conversation if you don't want to, just keep walking. I think this is common courtesy. It seems that a lot of people do not have basic social skills anymore. At least neighbors and co-workers should acknowledge each other. When my children play with the same kids, it has been me who initiated an introduction to their parents. A wave or a hello or a good morning is little sacrifice to be polite and it shows that you have some class.
@wendyf (23)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Because there are crazy people out there who think that by speaking to them that is a sign of something else. Some people don't realize that you are just being polite. Some take it as a sign of wanting them or wanting to be friends with them. Some people don't recognize boundaries. I use to speak to everybody, just to be nice, until the day a guy said something completely inappropriate to me. I told him off and then he acted like I was the crazy one. This is why I don't speak to everybody.
@frankiecesca (2489)
•
18 Jul 09
I know where I live there are many people who can be quite bad characters and so many people try to just ignore strangers on the street who randomly say hello in case of them being one of those bad people - it is easier for some to just keep walking by as quickly as possible to get away. It's not nice but, unfortunately in the world today there are too many bad people who make good people scared of what used to be the norm
@doormouse (4599)
•
18 Jul 09
i just tend to smile and keep walking,smiling is a polite way of saying hi but i don't know you so don't talk to me..to me if a stranger tries to make conversation with me i think they're being nosey or they want something,and i don't like that
@saw2207 (1359)
• United States
18 Jul 09
Interesting topic Daveslaw .
cause just the other day I was walking through the LIRR . . and I was in a great mood . .which was obviously evident in the smile on my face . .and as I walked I noticed quite a few people were smiling back at me. What I noticed was that as our eyes made contact . .they sent me back the good vibes I was feeling. All I could think .. was excellent. . when you smile at the world . .the world smiles back at you
but in regard to your question . .. I think when you are approaching someone in this day and age . . most are wary and believe that anyone being to nice has some ulterior motive.... so they dont respond out of fear and they are just trying to be extra careful. Generally in an elevator . I am one of those friendly types and will usually at least get a hello back . .
Maybe try just smiling at them . .make eye contact when you do it . and see if you get a different response!oh and by the way ..
Welcome to the Lot
but in regard to your question . .. I think when you are approaching someone in this day and age . . most are wary and believe that anyone being to nice has some ulterior motive.... so they dont respond out of fear and they are just trying to be extra careful. Generally in an elevator . I am one of those friendly types and will usually at least get a hello back . .
Maybe try just smiling at them . .make eye contact when you do it . and see if you get a different response!oh and by the way ..
Welcome to the Lot
@cheque123 (41)
• United States
18 Jul 09
i would at least say hello or something cause if you dont you might be saying i dont know you so go away or youre freaking me out .
@okkidokitokki (1736)
• United States
18 Jul 09
I generally say hello in response to a hello, but I no longer answer a how are you doing from a person who has kept walking. Not only do they not care how I am doing but they do not even slow down so that by the time I would answer I am talking to my self.
I also refuse to ask a person how they are doing if I do not really care.
I have also been known to just smile when someone says hello. As a woman if I am alone I am most likely not going to get into a conversation with a man that I do not know and so I will just smile as a polite response to hello as a sign that I am not meaning to be rude but I also do not want to start a conversation.
