How do you feel about the notion that extending a friendly greeting to others can improve our wellbeing?

@Shavkat (141905)

Philippines

December 5, 2023 8:45pm CST

One of my students struck me with a big question today. She asked me why I keep on saying "Hi or Hello." I told her that this is the way it can be contagious to others. For example, if someone is not in the mood, a simple greeting can make them smile. It means it can make a big difference in people's lives. There is no one in this world who has a perfect world. He or she can still have shortcomings in life, so saying simple greetings can improve their well-being at work, school, etc. Is it your practice to greet people around you? Image Credit: images.twinkl.co.uk

12 people like this

13 responses

@Beestring (15372)

• Hong Kong

6 Dec 23

I do not say Hi to everyone around me, especially strangers. But I do say good morning or hello to my neighbors when we meet in the lobby.

4 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I think it is a culture thing. It is also similar for some Japanese people to be in this way.

2 people like this

Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (18198)

• Raurkela, India

6 Dec 23

I do greet people around me who respond to my greetings.

3 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

It is always a good feeling if they appreciated our simple gestures towards them.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

13 Dec 23

@aninditasen Indeed. However, some people cannot practice the basic way of socializing these days.

Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (18198)

• Raurkela, India

7 Dec 23

@Shavkat Yes, and that's the first step of socialization.

1 person likes this

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@AmbiePam (120999)

• United States

6 Dec 23

Yes, I always say hi, or if I’m passing someone and they make eye contact, I’ll smile at them. It almost seems weird not to, but that just might be how I was reared. You are definitely setting a good example.

3 people like this

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@AmbiePam (120999)

• United States

6 Dec 23

@Shavkat That is a worthwhile goal, and one our world needs.

3 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

7 Dec 23

@AmbiePam I hope everyone in this world will be unified.

1 person likes this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I am trying my best for them to be like this. Some of them are quite traditional and reserved, but I am hoping that they will adapt to this kind of gesture.

3 people like this

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@allknowing (153529)

• India

6 Dec 23

That comes naturally to me.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

7 Dec 23

I agree. Although some people are not like us.

1 person likes this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

6 Dec 23

I agree with you. I always say 'hi' to the people I meet.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

7 Dec 23

I can relate with you that much. It is my nature to be this kind of soul. I noticed some Asian people are not approachable when it comes to greetings. It needs time before they will acknowledge it.

1 person likes this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

13 Dec 23

@just4him I noticed this gesture when teaching non-native students for the first time.

1 person likes this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (323168)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

7 Dec 23

@Shavkat I run into people like that too. I shrug my shoulders and continue on with what I'm doing.

1 person likes this

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Abiodun Adekoya

@septabchips (1141)

• Nigeria

6 Dec 23

I try my best to say hi to people. But the questions is how do you feel when you get ignored?

3 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

For me, I don't care if someone ignores me for doing it. If you are going to have an onion skin about it, then that would be a personal issue now.

3 people like this

@popciclecold (40214)

• United States

6 Dec 23

Agreed.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

Thanks for agreeing.

2 people like this

@much2say (57760)

• Los Angeles, California

6 Dec 23

This is definitely me . . . I do acknowledge people around me, whether I know them or not. And why not - good to spread some friendliness around, isn't it?

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I totally agree with you. There is nothing wrong with being kind to others. We just want their world and our world to be in a better place.

1 person likes this

@RebeccasFarm (91297)

• United States

6 Dec 23

I do this but it is not often well received in this area.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

7 Dec 23

I sometimes consider if the person is not welcoming to any gestures, so I will just abandon the idea.

1 person likes this

@jstory07 (148764)

• Roseburg, Oregon

6 Dec 23

I say hi to everyone I pass while on a walk.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I sometimes smile and greet them, too.

2 people like this

@wolfgirl569 (135910)

• Marion, Ohio

6 Dec 23

I do to people around me.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

7 Dec 23

Sometimes I have to observe them if they are in a good mood. If they aren't, I will just keep my mouth shut.

1 person likes this

@Deepizzaguy (122269)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

6 Dec 23

I do my best to greet people that I meet.

2 people like this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I also do the same thing. Even if they do not acknowledge my simple gesture, I will still feel happy seeing them along the way.

2 people like this

@db20747 (43419)

• Washington, District Of Columbia

6 Dec 23

This is a easy way and gesture that is worth a million. This greeting can brighten anyone's day. I try to speak often. It makes my day when someone speaks and says hello.

1 person likes this

@Shavkat (141905)

• Philippines

6 Dec 23

I do agree that it is the simples way to brighten up other people. A simple can make a big difference even if not saying anything.

1 person likes this