Why don't strangers greet one another when walking around anymore?

Question

I've noticed nobody smiles or says "hi" anymore. Everyone would rather talk on the cell or listen to the ipod.

Answer 1

I don't know why because I am not one of "those" people. I smile and greet people (strangers) walking past them all the time. 99% of the people look at me like I am crazy, or they get angry that I even dared to say hi to them.

It's unbelievable. I wish that I could meet courteous friendly people, but I think people are becoming more rude everyday.

Answer 2

You kidding me. If I told you that I have someone walk right by me without smiling, nodding their head, putting out their hand to shake mine, or conversing with me in any way shape or form and they've known me for almost 2 years and been to my home and the list goes on, what would you think happened to cause this. It was nothing horrible, bad, disgusting, or derogatory in any manner. And you expect strangers to greet one another. You're asking for a lot, but then again perhaps you're not. Actually I've had greetings from people I know less of or about for that matter, than this other person. So you have a point.........

Answer 3

I find that if I say good morning or hi to a person on a regular basis say on the way to work in the morning, the first couple of times they are taken aback but eventually they seem happy to say good morning. Most people are nervous about letting strangers into their world. They could be afraid of being physically attacked or taken advantage of by some stranger. The other issue in my city is that if you smile at some people they start to ask you for money. Happens too much.

Answer 4

I think it is because we live in a society that is constantly on the go and people are to much in a hurry to "see" the people around them. I know there have been a few times I almost was walked over because someone else was to busy with their cell phone, newspaper, or other things they were doing. I think it is important for everyone to stop and "sell the roses" once in a while.

Answer 5

I am from a pretty small town in the South and I must say I still walk around and say Hi to total strangers. It is funny when I travel and people are just not use to it. I come strolling by saying "hi" and they just stare me down like I am crazy.

Answer 6

Well where I live in a small town in UK, people often great each other on the streets, espeshially elderly people talk to me when they are walking their dogs and stuff, usually about the weather or something but I like it its friendly. I dont like cities anymore for this reason.

Answer 7

Here are some theories:

1) Because people are too wrapped up in themselves.
2) Because in certain areas, making eye contact can get you hurt/killed.
3) People are afraid of being taken the wrong way.

Answer 8

Depends on where you live. Some people do. Besides, if you initiate the smile and "hi" you're likely to see a lot more.

I often smile at people, and guess what - they smile back!

Answer 9

My guess is that people in larger cities see so many strangers every day that it's impossible to acknowledge all of them. Also, most of them are bumming smokes or panhandling for change.

Answer 10

Hi stranger.
We still do, but I live in the south and we are known for being slow to catch on. I think that maybe a good thing in this case don't you?