Shoot a Smile or Ignore the person?

zoom2

Smile at the girl, nod at the dude, ignoring people makes you a prude.

That calls to mind the strange people who live in my community. It's a small town and there's definitely an attitude of "if I haven't known you since kindergarten I won't give you the time of day." Most of the folks I have become friends with over the last 12 years are transplants, like myself.

Anyhow, people frequently fall into 2 groups when I'm out running or biking: those who VERY obviously do everything in their power to avoid eye contact, even when there's no way possible that they didn't see me (I tend to wear very bright colors when I run and ride, since I want cars to see me easily). And the other group is those who make eye contact, but that is all...no smile, no hello, no wave--not even when I smile, say hello, and wave. Those folks are really creepy.

I sometimes wonder if manners are a rarity in these parts. Where I grew up the opposite seems to be the case. People tend to be over-the-top friendly. Amazing the difference from state to state.

I've encountered the same people sometimes twice on an out-and-back run. That can be sort of awkward. The 2nd time I will usually jokingly say "hi, again!," but seeing people more than 2x would be enough to make me not run circles.

msjersey73

Isnt this covered in an episode of Seinfeld?

lol, yes.

i wouldn't acknowledge anyone ever while working out, but if you must, once is enough.
I am a very social person, and always smile and/or say hi to people, however.....not during a workout.

Fausttt

perhaps he is running the opposite way on purpose. Perhaps he finds you attractive and is working up the courage to talk to you with each pass.

MamaKeeks

<<<----

I would DEFINTELY smile at you! And nod! And blush! And possibly trip and fall down.... lol!

2012asv

I always wondered the same thing. . . I don't run on a trail so I don't pass other runners. I'd say hi once- by round 3-4 I'm trying to keep my head up and legs moving.

Barbellsandthimbles

teehee... I say "bump into him" and ask him to change the direction of his run excerising is always more fun with a partner!

Hahaha...he's a walker, but that's an interesting suggestion!

Mindmovesbody

Smile after lap 1..

Either that or wear a t-shirt with your predicament written on it like this:

Shoud I keep smiling at you after every lap?

Nod yes if yes
Nod no if no
Smile if you want to get a coffee

Love this! Lol!

Barbellsandthimbles

Smile after lap 1..

Either that or wear a t-shirt with your predicament written on it like this:

Shoud I keep smiling at you after every lap?

Nod yes if yes
Nod no if no
Smile if you want to get a coffee

I love it! I'm happily married, so not looking to pick anyone up!

Laces_0ut

A proper lady curtsies in the presence of a gentleman.

Barbellsandthimbles

A proper lady curtsies in the presence of a gentleman.

Curtsying while running could be interesting...

Barbellsandthimbles

Thanks so much for the replies! I think I'll smile and nod the first round, smile the second then not worry about the rest of the time. It's not just the guy I see. There are a couple of people I see every Tuesday and Thursday that I will smile at, just to say hi. Glad to know that once is plenty!

Laces_0ut

A proper lady curtsies in the presence of a gentleman.

Curtsying while running could be interesting...

One should not pick and choose when to be proper.

gertudejekyl

This is the kind of think I worry about too! I'd say one hello is enough. I like crappitycrap's idea !

DavPul

anything less than a full reacharound on the 3rd pass is considered rude