Sometimes I'm walking outside or in a long, long hallway, and a few dozen feet away, I see someone I know walking towards me. They also see me. We wouldn't have any intention of stopping for a conversation, but it would be rude not to acknowledge each other when passing.
What do I do from the time I first see my friend at a great distance to the time we pass each other?
Do I pretend I don't see them until we're a reasonable distance away, then at about 8 feet say, "Hey, what's up?" smile wave and pass? Do I wave the very first moment we see each other, then make no other movement until we're closer, then give a quick "Hi" as we pass? Do we just smile and wave at each other the whole time? Or do I just make an elaborate show at looking at my watch, acting surprised at the time, and run away?
2007-01-06 17:53:00 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Salute them... Oh sorry I was think of my Army days. No just a friendly quick wave or smile. Try hello or good (morning, afternoon, or evening), how are you?
2007-01-06 18:08:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give a quick wave upon initial recognition, then shift attention elsewhere. This could include anything from glancing at your watch, or reading the sign on the building next to you, or simply shifting your eye line a few inches while you concentrate intently on what you plan to eat for dinner that night. Once you reach reasonable distance, reacquire eye contact and give your well-rehearsed greeting. "Why how are you doing this lovely winters morning? ... errr wait, it's after 12:00, so, I guess I should say afternoon, so... umm, yeah, well then I umm... Bye! ... ... Crap!"
2007-01-06 22:44:57 · answer #2 · answered by hunting wabbit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
funny how you mentioned the exact distance when you felt a certain way and a certain pressure. that is exactly what everyone feels at that distance. 15-12 feet, they enter your 'space' and you are forced to decide how to respond to them, stranger or friend. then, at 8-4 feet, you must act on the decision you made a second earlier.
-my dad is a psychatrist, i dont just randomly know useless stuff like this-
western ettiquete calls the person to make steady eye contact for a min of one second, a max of three, and a simple 'hey girl/guy/dude/friend'snamehere' is all that is required.
2007-01-06 18:49:51 · answer #3 · answered by brooklynn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretend that you are looking for something in your bag, then when they get really close spray mace in their eyes and run. Then they won't be able to see anything, including you running in the other direction, and you won't even have to say hello or stop for a conversation.
2007-01-06 18:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by Cato Says "Kalamaloo" 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smile on approach then when you are about to pass, say Hi or Hey.
2007-01-06 18:01:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A slight nod of the head or tip of the hat.
2007-01-06 23:25:24 · answer #6 · answered by foreversmilingirish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you see him from a long distance away, yell "hey and the name". then when you pass him just ignore him.
2007-01-06 18:22:17 · answer #7 · answered by Annmaree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could do any of these depending on how friendly you are, and the other person's mood/personality. but i would not advise the last option - unless it's someone you dislike!!
2007-01-06 18:09:18 · answer #8 · answered by gorochan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Act surprised & run away. LMAO!!
2007-01-06 18:12:13 · answer #9 · answered by ebonyruffles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what makes you comfortable and don't worry about anything else.
2007-01-06 21:55:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋