Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Awkward encounters

Here's a social experiment, next time you go running, or riding, or even just walking, say hello to the people you pass, and see how many of them respond, or even acknowledge you.
Most likely almost no one will return the greeting. This bothers me, especially when I am running and see someone else who is running, I make a concerted effort to say hello and smile at them. I am almost always met with a funny look, or they just keep looking ahead and pretend I'm not there. Has our society become so self-conscious and uptight that it isn't acceptable to be friendly?
I think this is especially strange behavior between two people that are running, but maybe I'm the only one that thinks there is some kind of bond, a mutual understanding of how miserable running can be at times, and an understanding of how no matter how miserable, we always feel better after a run.
Call me crazy, but I'm going to keep saying hi and smiling at people like an idiot. Join me if you dare.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with you that runners don't usually respond, but walking down the street, here in Baker at least, people say "Hello" back. I once went on and on about this to Corrine when I came back from a run where nobody said hello. I'm with you let's keep being friendly and looking like idiots.

    Bri-

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