I’m asking because it’s a very normal thing to do here.
When you enter a room, but also things like a hairdresser or say a small cafe, you say hello to the people there and say goodbye when leaving. Or when taking a bus, you say hello to the driver and goodbye or thank him when getting off.
I was only recently told by some online friends of mine that this is pretty weird in other places. So I’m wondering if I’m (or my country) is the weird one or them
I started greeting people more in the last year or so. Some people at work have started saying Good morning, etc. as well.
Most of the time in public I find that my greeting is ignored. This bothers me because I assume people are starting from a negative assumption about me: I want something from them, I need a conversation, I’m hitting on them, etc. I am not trying to do any of those things, just wishing people a good day. It seems that we as a society have allowed our fears and social awkardness to overcome being polite.
It should not be an issue for two strangers to say good morning to each other but apparently it is for most.
I am not trying to do any of those things
You kinda are tho, you’re expecting them to interact with you and you’re assuming negative things about them based on them not being interested.
No. I am not.
I am surprised that anyone would equate a simple greeting with requiring a conversation or asking someone out.
All I ask is a same or similar Hello, tiny smile, whatever simple human acknowledhement you care to give. One does not even have to slow their pace to do this.
Ignoring someone that just wished you a good day is rude.
You just said “no” and then proceeded to explain exactly how you are doing it and again assume negative things about people.
What do you mean by “the people there”?
The workers? Sure.
Other customers? Absolutely not.
