Thursday, March 7, 2011......
While out running errands on Tuesday, I stopped at my local convenience store to pick up a Powerball lottery ticket. As I was getting out of my car, a older gentleman was getting into his truck. He had backed into his space making his car door next to mine. When I got out of the car, I said hi, how are you? I could tell he was a bit taken aback and responded with saying hi and began talking about the weather (skies very gray and opposite of what you envision a spring day would be). I commented the skies were gray, but it was warm out and better than snow.
As I made my way away, I told him to have a good day and he said the same. What struck me was how my simple interchange seemed to happily surprise this gentleman and I told my husband how I plan to say "Hi, How are you?" to every stranger I come across for the rest of this month.
I'm curious how people will respond. I wonder if they will. I also wonder if they will try to engage in further conversation or just walk away. I'll let you know at the end of the month.
11 comments:
Sounds like the normal around here. People are noted for being friendly. Those that don't say hello - we figure are some of those stuck up easterners. {*grin*}
Being in L.A., asking, "How are you?" is kinda like saying, "Yes, I'm acknowledging you but I don't really care how you are."
I tried an experiment in college. When someone asked how I was...I told him. I wasn't having a great day and I'll bet he never asked another person. lol!
Looking forward to your responses.
I love surprising someone with a smile or a how are you. Good for you!
I like this! I like when someone does it to me and I'm not even a people person. I'd be more of a people person if more people did it actually. Maybe I should try this too. I find people who're pleasant just for the sake of it, are uplifting. It's a small thing that might make a real difference to someone who's feeling lost.
go for it...people become so insulated in their own little worlds...break those bubbles...
Dan - Probably is, but here, if you look at people or smile, they think you're a Craig's List killer or the guy out on Long Island burying women along the shoreline.
JJ - I worked in CA and found that when I met someone, they asked questions as if very interested, but the next time I saw them (after lengthy back-and-forth conversation) they didn't remember me.
North Easterners may not ask, but if we do, we remember you.
MrsFatass - I think it'll be fun
Veg Ass - It really doesn't happen too much out in my neck of the world and is incredibly refreshing.
Brian - LOL - So true. I admit to being too often inside the bubble.
you would be surprised at the reactions you get - some people genuinely like it and reciprocate, but I have also come across people who are just plain snobbish and snap you off. Good luck to you, let us know how it goes.
I do this all the time. People either look at you suspiciously and hurry away or tell you their entire life story. My kids often hustle me through stores saying "don't make eye contact. don't talk to strangers." Lol.
♥Spot
Rohini - I never thought people would be snobbish and now I'm curious.
Spot - I love the fact that your kids are telling you not to talk to strangers. Shouldn't it be the other way around?
I love this! You know of course I am always doing this although I can't say I do this every day. I did strike up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me on the plane down to Tampa and we had a very interesting conversation. So I say go for it. And I think most people welcome the chance to have a nice connection, albeit short, every day.
DB - It's been a little harder than I thought it would be. I have a tendency to look at the ground when I walk and because I normally don't say hi and am catching self to say hi.
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