Is it just me or are people getting ruder by the day? It has been happening for awhile and I have tried not complain about it but it is really getting on my nerves! I am a 'hi' person. I say 'hi' or 'hello' to just about everyone that passes me during the day. I say 'hello' whether people looked happy, sad, annoyed, etc... I don't know why I do it, I just do it. I have always done it. I think to myself, I like when people (in the past) say 'hi' to me. It makes me smile and forces me to stop thinking about me for a few seconds and focus on a friend, stranger, or co-worker. I like it so I guess I figure other people like it too. Not so much around here.
For months now, I have been passing people on the street, smiling at them and giving them my smiles and hellos. And I would bet my whole container of hot cocoa (which I love) that only 25% of the people have responded back to me. I am not asking for time out of their day just a hello, head nod or smile in return. But more times than not I get nothing. There have been a bunch of times when I have even gotten a dirty look.
What is going on in this world that people can't take a second to respond to someone who is trying to be nice and make their day a little brighter? I just don't get it. I almost fell the other day going to the post office trying to get out of the way so a little old lady wouldn't have to walk in the snow. I said 'hello' and I didn't get as much as a nod.
Am I being selfish? Is this too much to ask for? I don't know. All I know is that I will continue my quest of 'hellos'/smiles and maybe it will be contagious to someone, someday.
8 comments:
It's sad isn't it. I say keep smiling!
I did make it to the post office today so hopefully in a day or two you will have something to make you smile ;-D
People are just miserable in life and it shows in their demeanor. It used to be that you could at least fake a smile. Now people walk around like they want to punch a baby.
This is why I’m a recluse… people generally suck and I don’t have the patience to deal with them. Kudos to you for trying!!
Just in case you need one for the day : - )
I say keep smiling too!! I am a smiler too and I get both, people who look at me like I'm crazy and people who actually smile back and some times speak! Keep smiling you are making a difference:)
I notice it a lot more when I'm up your direction, but people are like that here too. I smile as I walk by, they do NOT smile back. So rude.
I hate trying to make a general statement on geographical conditions... but I agree with Sheena. The North is a much more non-social place to live. We are a much more introverted people, rushing to get our own things done, walking and looking down at our feet, not watching the world pass by. I bet I am guilty of this as well. Sadly, I even get this response at work. Yes, with the same people I call coworkers, there are plenty who don't respond to a hello, or even a Thank You when i hold the door. But, it doesn't stop me from doing it. It just gives me the knowledge that I AM better than them. WHAHAHAHHA! Its funny cause its true. ;)
Hi Jackie,
You are just use to Potter County, where saying Hi to someone you pass is common place and normal. I always though Maine was a little like Potter County. I guess these people don't understand the message of the Heinekin and insurance commercials that are out there. Came to your blog because I was thinking of you up there in Maine and wondering if you were keeping warm.
Keep doing what you do Jackie! You never know when you'll run across that person that needs a smile and a friendly hello more than anything in the world!
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