Why do people just ignore other people who say hello?

Question

If someone say "hi" or "how are you?", why would anyone just flat out ignore them? Is it because they think they are too important to take the time to respond or just because they are assholes?

I am talking about people who you would see in your everyday life. Maybe they are not your friends but someone you work with or go to school with. I mean how hard is it to say "hey" as you walk past someone in the hall.

Answer 1

I actually have lots of fun with people like that. It usually means they don't like you. Once you get into your 30s +, and at work, they pretty much have to follow a certain amount of workplace etiquette, or they'll look very childish. So...

I get right in their face, give them a bright smile, and "Hello, how have you been?" again, as cheerfully as I possibly can. It never fails - they're shamed into answering, and it bugs the heck out of them. I love doing that.

Answer 2

I'm not "justifying" the action of not saying hello, but consider that everyone has something going on. Everyone is trying to get something done and has things on their mind. More than likely, at work, more than work things are going through their minds. Relational/personal stuff, job stress, etc. Perhaps passing in the hall is the only time they get to get away from their desk and they are thinking about stuff as they are walking. They may be focused on whats going on with them rather than speaking to people. I'd caution you to assume that people who don't speak to you are rude people because you don't know whats going on with them to assess why they didn't speak to you

Answer 3

Because some people are ignorant, and they purposely try to piss you off in life. Some of these people purposely try to stick to someone, and repeatedly instigate an argument that should have never occured in the first place, because they're looking to prove themselves superior in every way.

Conceited and misguided would be some prime adjectives for people like this.

Answer 4

I don't ignore people who do that, but there are some who do. Some people do that because they don't know the person saying it, and nowadays there are some bad people out there. As your parents probably told you, "Don't talk to strangers." Also, some people are just rude or are too lazy to have a conversation.

So, that's probably why.

Answer 5

probably a little bit of both. people are in to much of a hurry, are just jerks/assholes, or don't care about other people's feelings. it's nice to at least say hi or smile when you look at someone no matter how much of a hurry you happen to be in. if people were a little friendlier, things would be a bit less stressful i think.

Answer 6

Perhaps they don't like strangers. Just because you say hello doesn't guarantee that you can get one in return & it doesn't mean they are any less or more than you are. You can't force others to your way of thinking!

Answer 7

i hate when people i don't even know say hello to me when i'm in a store, walking down the street, or what ever. it's imposing. i'm minding my own business and maybe i'm having a bad day. back off folks!!! if it's someone i know that's different. but a total stranger that i most likely will never see agian. LEAVE ME ALONE!

Answer 8

Those people are very ignorant. The best thing to do is to go on being yourself.

Answer 9

Here in California it is a part of the ever spreading ...
"Bad Manners"

Here if you are not part of "The Industry" (film,recording,etc)
you are considered "Little People" ,"Dirty" , or "Nothing"

Answer 10

Maybe they don't hear you say hello. Or, perhaps they are shy. Or, if you are saying hi to complete strangers, maybe they think you are weird or hitting on them or something.