In meeting strangers, or passerbys on the street, do you.........?

Question

Always speak first, speak only if spoken to, ignore being spoken to if you don't like their appearence, or never speak to anyone?

Answer 1

I try to always to speak to someone,you never know when you just say HELLO and SMILE that you may have just gave them a ray of sunshine in their gloomy day.

Answer 2

I speak if there's something to talk about. I might make a snide remark to someone next to me about how that woman's tiny yapping dogs are still less annoying than having to listen to leafblowers at 7am. If I get some sort of response, then it's cool and we talk about other stuff. If they ignore me, I ignore them back. Usually, I'm one of the first people to say anything, even if it's merely "thanks" for holding the door open.

A lot of the time I fake knowing things, playing along and agreeing with folks, since I usually won't know them long enough for it to matter and people's memories are always shot anyway if something ever comes out of the chance meeting.

Answer 3

I usually only speak if I'm spoken to first. If they look strange or dangerous or if they say something inappropriate, then I ignore them. The only time I initiate conversation with strangers is if I need information and ask a question, such as "Do you have the time?" or if I'm complimenting them, such as "I love your shoes."

Answer 4

If I pass someone by on the street I speak if:

We make peaceful eye contact.
I know them, but they just weren't paying attention.
If someone says Hi and I wasn't paying attention.

I usally don't speak if:

Someone stares at me with bad intent.
Someone makes a snood remark.
If the person looks down at the ground.

Answer 5

Usually I speak first, but I definitely speak if spoken to. Common courtesy.

Answer 6

Never speak; people just aren't all that friendly anymore. I think strangers are nervous when others approach them.

Answer 7

I will look them in the face and then decide weather to smile, nod, say hi, or just pass on by.

Answer 8

People are friendly and polite, where I live.