The Strange Hello

Here's a quirky little observation.

When I'm out for my walk, I am inclined to simply say hello to anyone I come across.  Call me weird, but it just doesn't feel right to walk right by someone and not even acknowledge them.  A quick little hi costs me nothing, and it just helps make the human connection more, well, connective.

At least, that's what I'm thinking.

The thing is, not everyone is as into this as I seem to be.  In fact, I would say that it has become my expectation NOT to receive a hello in return.

This has been true in two different neighbourhoods now.  When I did my walk up in Waterloo, and now, here close to the Belmont Village area of Kitchener.  Both good communities with good people.  

And yet.

I honestly don't think I look dangerous.  I mean?  A 5 foot 3, 68 year old woman with a very understated fashion sense out for a walk in the early afternoon could hardly be perceived as a neighbourhood meanace.  Right?  So I doubt the lack of a response is that I'm scary.

Awkward maybe?  Is it simply weird to say hello to strangers?  Maybe.  Maybe I'm even embarrassing myself without knowing it by letting you know this is something I do.  We live in strange times and strangers can be strange sometimes, so maybe I should be more mindful of that?  Or maybe everyone else knows about the walkers' code of conduct to never ever say hello, which no one told me about.  

Sometimes I think I should leave it alone and do what so many do, just stroll on by as if another human being wasn't even there. 

But.  No.

There is another human being with me right within this quickly-shared space we occupy as we pass each other on the way to wherever we're going.  And you never know what someone's going through.  You never know if a simple hello from a stranger might be the best thing to happen to their day.  

Which is why I don't really care that much if I get a response.  Because sometimes I do.  Sometimes it's a smile in return, and maybe even a little still-walking conversation about how great a day it is, or how well behaved their dog is.  And there we are, human beings connecting in a neighbourhood, and being all cheerful and positive in a news-weary world that seems desperately devoid of joy some days.

So if you see me out walking, I'll say hi.  And if you say hi in return, well then, we did something good for each other in that moment.  And if you don't, I won't judge.  I don't know what's going on for you and won't presume.  But I'll still say hello to the next person who passes by.  Because I didn't get the memo that we shouldn't.  

And hey.  I'm looking forward to getting back up to the cottage where everyone waves at any boat going by whether you know them or not.  Just sayin'.