Do you say hi and smile at strangers?

By Amy
Abernathy, Texas
October 11, 2007 12:21am CST
And if you do what is the usual response? Does this differ depending on your appearance that day? Can a response change your attitude for the day or for a while? If you don't why not - shy, do you not like people - do you think its disrespectful? If you say no to this - do you respond when others smile at you or say hi?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
12 Oct 07
If I pass someone in the street, usually when it's not busy, or when we make eye contact, I will always smile and either verbally say hello, or just communicate it with my eyes. I definitely think people react differently based on my appearance at that time, as sometimes I might look a little shady, even though I am far from it. For the most part, I get a positive reaction and a smile and greeting in return. Occasionally, it will turn into a short, pleasant conversation. I'm usually a smiley kind of person, so I think people have a positive reaction... or just think I'm a weirdo =P
• Abernathy, Texas
12 Oct 07
Maybe the most positive reaction is from people who think you're wierdo - because they think you're a wierdo =P
• Abernathy, Texas
12 Oct 07
That's what I was trying to say! :)
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
12 Oct 07
Haha, so true. I have no problem with being a weirdo, I just don't agree with that being some sort of negative thing =P
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58673)
• Delhi, India
11 Oct 07
No, I normally do not smile at strangers, I am shy by nature. But sometimes it may happen, feeling or thinking that the stranger is known to me perhaps. Appearance might play a role in interacting with a stranger. I respond when others smile at me or say hi to me.
@dpk262006 (58673)
• Delhi, India
16 Oct 07
Thanks! I believe I am response.....LOl!
• Abernathy, Texas
11 Oct 07
*smile I think its great that you respond when others smile t you.
1 person likes this
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
11 Oct 07
A lot of times I will see someone that I dont know and will say hey or hi to them. I am not a shy person and will speak to just about anyone that I see or meet.
1 person likes this
• Abernathy, Texas
12 Oct 07
I think that's great. BTW your avatar always makes me giggle a little.
@djmarion (4898)
• Philippines
11 Oct 07
i dont do that, i often mistaken as snob but i dont care. i wont smile at strangers especially if they dont smile at me.
1 person likes this
• Abernathy, Texas
11 Oct 07
People do seem to assume people are snobs for unfair reasons like this. I get lost in my own world when walking and will often miss people saying hi - to be told by someone I'm with. I do somedays dare myself to smile and say hi to strangers, mostly cause I'm curious about how they'll react - or if I'm in an especially good mood. How do you react when people say hi to you? Does it make a difference if its an elderly person or a young person?
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
11 Oct 07
I often smile at people and make eye contact when I am out, so I often smile and say hi to strangers. I enjoy people and I would like to think that I have made someones day by smiling and saying hi. Often people smile and say hi back to me.
1 person likes this
• Abernathy, Texas
12 Oct 07
I think that's great. I think a smile can go a long way - like the proverbial ripple in a pond.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
11 Oct 07
I do smile at them.....and respond if they say hi. I grew up in a little community where everyone waved at you whether you knew them or not! I don't really make the first gesture...I am kinda shy.
1 person likes this
• Abernathy, Texas
11 Oct 07
Very cool - I sometimes daydream about living in a small town. I have to admit I love cities. But there is something about the charm and closeness of a small town.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
16 Oct 07
In supermarkets, shops and so on, the staff always say hi! as they mark up my stuff, and I always say hi! back; in fact, often I say hi! first, and I always smile. In general, I say hi and smile in all such circumstances, when some kind of exchange is going on. I'm a reserved individual, and yet I tend also to signal friendliness, and a willingness to be friendly when out and about. People respond well, as a certain degree of friendliness and pleasantness is the norm. That said, I'm not excessively chatty, although will chat if someone engages me. I like an atmosphere of friendliness, and being well-disposed towards others. That said, if depressed, I can be withdrawn; but even then, I make an effort to make others feel as much at ease as possible.