An observation from Gen X POV
I usually go for my morning workout at the park at 7am - a time when the sun is just coming up and people are jogging, walking dogs or just getting outside to get some fresh air.
I want to set the proper tone here - at this time in the morning there is less traffic of all types (cyclists, pedestrians, etc) - Therefore when you pass a person, you are likely to make eye contact or have some type of interaction vs a typical "busy" time when the park is packed.
I'm an 80's Kid (I get that we all grew up differently) - but I was TOTALLY in trouble if I did not "speak" to other humans or acknowledge their presence - Especially in the Morning. I was raised to say "Good Morning" or similar salutation when coming across another individual first thing in the morning.
Obviously as I write this post - this is a practice I still do to this day (pre- Covid breath, ha). It is nice to start my day off in a positive manner and I enjoy saying "hello" to my fellow humans.
I have 2 observations and would like to know your thoughts as well
First one is - people in certain demographic regions (think "NYC Manhattan vs. San Antonio TX ) have Totally different reactions to strangers addressing them.
I learned this the first time I drove from California to New York (United States). Seriously, just getting gas was vastly different as I drove from a West Coast City - Through the South - to an East Coast City.
I do think a certain level of general "friendly hospitality" does exist in smaller/rural areas, I mean - you PROBABLY know that person (or their Mom, cousin, etc) And in a Major City it's just not practical to yell "GOOD MORNING" to 1000 people on the street.
I usually say "Good Morning/Hi" when there is light traffic and I make eye contact with another human.
Is this an "Old School" Habit? (hmmm)
Second - I live in a populated city made up of various demographics -
Is "No Eye Contact" a new (younger adult) thing?
Most - again I know this changes depending on Where you are and Who you are dealing with - people I encounter in their 20s don't even make eye contact. Usually eyes are on a phone/device or "straight stare" with no peripheral interference .
Usually the park has everything from "hard core" athletes to "Moms with strollers" and everything in between so it's a decent case study environment
I get it - We ALL have crap on our minds and NOBODY Owes me a "Hello" LMAO
My personal thought though is - I'm not going to look RIGHT at a person and not acknowledge them - it seems so... Rude
Is my thinking typical Gen X?
I Love seeing the faces of my fellow neighbors and usually a quick "Good Morning" is met with the same or better yet - a BIG SMILE - #WORTHit
Either way, I hate that communication is so impersonal and I wish people would consider reinstating basic human manners - I don't communicate only via Emoji
Thanks for the look and I'll end with -
"Hi :) Have a Wonderful Day"
Thank you for the Photos
very nice artcle