So sad

[Cuckoogoose]

Being a lovely morning this morning and my day off. I decided to walk to my daughters, which is just under 3 miles. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and it was a happy sort of day. I must have directly passed around 25 people and I smiled at each and everyone. Only 6 smiled back or even acknowledged me. The others just put their head down or totally ignored me. It costs nothing to smile. I know people have their own problems, I have plenty of my own but it is just such a good feeling to smile or say good morning to someone and get a response, don't you think? 😀

[ary88 Restart July 2023]

people,I think were always polite to say at least hello,but I have noticed a big shift to eyes down over past 30 yrs,totally missing the point,their loss,I often say good morn ect,and get ignored,but occassionally they chat back, so its worth getting snubbed to meet these kind if people,I call nuggets of gold,when out for a stretch in lovely countryside,urban or city

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

That was sad Cuckoogoose, but you meet allsorts. There are those that hurry past, those that smile, those that exchange a few words about the weather and those that are intent on telling you their entire life story, which seriously cuts into your exercise time

I smile, exchange a few words, but keep moving, if I can

[Dietbunny2 7lbs]

I think you are right, Cuckoogoose , it is sad that more people you met didn't feel, for whatever reason, that they could simply smile back. You didn't say where you were walking, but I have found that in some circumstances you do get a much higher return than you did this morning, for example along a path frequented by dog-walkers (whom I have always found pretty amenable to returning a 'Good morning!"), or one of the many popular walks like the South Devon Coast Path. I was down there recently, near Sidmouth, and almost everyone we passed smiled or gave a greeting. Mind you, we were accompanied by Harry, a very bouncy and friendly spaniel, who greets everyone he meets anyway!

[Salud-forgood 3kg]

I am one of those people that would smile back, sometimes I wonder if I am too weird as I see wrong not acknowledging somebody passing you by if you are the only two people in one same place/street/path...but I can tell by people's reactions that not everybody sees it this way... I am glad I live in a small town where you can still say "good morning" to a complete stranger without getting a suspicious look, let's keep smiling! 😊

[George56]

Hi Cookoogoose your correct. A smile costs nothing but means a lot. When I had my business we had a poem on the wall called A Smile. I may come across it when having a tidy up in the shed. 🙂 George 56. You enjoy your walks & I'm sure the smiles will soon come along! Have a great day tomorrow.🙂

[becca9486]

I'm smiling!!!!!... can't wait to walk to school tomorrow with the kids and smile at everyone!!

[Tiggerr]

I live out in the country now, lived in London for years previously. In London people were pretty much as you describe, no one even catching another's eye. However, out here, its more unusual if people don't acknowledge you.

[MotherPip]

I agree.

[SlimmerSue62]

If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours. 😃

[AnnTandy 1 stone]

I know what you mean, Cuckoogoose. I think, though, that these days people are so shocked to be acknowledged at all (because everyone's too busy avoiding everyone else's eye) that they don't actually know how to react to a smile other than with confusion. You even find it on holiday - when you'd expect people to be at their most relaxed, they're still stunned if you give them a casual "Morning" as you pass by. Carry on doing it, regardless. This world would be a nicer place if we acknowledged each other's existence instead of just living in our own little bubbles.

[lucigret]

carry on smiling at them all Cuckoogoose , I do. I used to pass an elderly lady every day and would smile and say good morning, it took her over a month to reply lol. I think this forum is so friendly that we would like everybody we meet to be the same.

[Itsbab]

Sad but don't change who you are it's nice to be a smiling face.😊

When I am out I chat to anyone my daughters are always telling me "For goodness sake mother you talk to alsorts" age, gender, ethnic origin makes no difference, my theory is I will make someone's day by passing the time of day as I could be the only person they speak to that day now that's sad.😥

[Marylou54]

How true Itsbab - and all fellow smilers and talkers. I chat to all and sundry (usually the sundry!!) and make a special effort in shops with people at the tills if they seem low and unhappy. My daughter does it too and even my son (who is Asperger's) makes an attempt at passing a few extra words in shops. Doesn't need to be any philosophical discussion just a passing of the time. I always smile at people and often get looked at in a strange manner (yes, yes I know it's 'cos I tend to grin like a manic chimp.....) when I'm out and about. I remember years ago when my son was in hospital and I was very concerned about him, driving out of the car park and a woman gave me a lovely smile. I actually stopped the car and got out to thank her because that smile lifted my spirits and I was so grateful for it. It does make a difference - so keep on smiling and chatting peeps!!!

[Itsbab in reply to Marylou54]

How brave of your son with his condition to make contact first he must be a lovely young man. 😊

We should have a national smile day😊👍 we are such a happy bunch on the forum it's good to be part of it.

[MissisB 4 stone]

Saying hello to people is perceived as OK so differently in so many places. In the large village I live in, there is a tendency for everyone to say "hello" to each other as they pass each other, regardless of whether we recognise each other. And when I'm out walking in the countryside, I tend to find exactly the same.

Yet Mr B and I are often out and about elsewhere, and find that, as you say, people just ignore you. I am "down south" for work next week, and intend to be out and about morning and evening taking some exercise - I'll let you know how I get on with my greetings down there.

Just on a personal note, when I have been unwell, I have found it impossible to make eye contact with strangers or even people I know, let alone say hello to them - sometimes things are not as they seem.

In general, a smile and a hello is a lovely gesture, and a great way to live life.

[Grannynise 6lbs]

I live in London and find that many people smile and chat. But not on the tube in the rush hour!