Why do people smile when they walk me by?

Question

I grew up in Africa and its a place where people are a lot more interactive than USA. Since i got here i have noticed people just smile and walk pass without a word and the smile vanishes as quickly as it came.

Why don't they at least say "Hi" Most of the smiles are far from genuine and its the first time i have come across anything like this.

One day at work as i walked down the hall, i wasn't smiling but i wasn't exactly frowning either. Just kinda serious and a colleague said "Common smile"

I need a good reason to smile. Why would people just walk u by and smile and say nothing?

When i respond to the smile with "Hi" i receive a "is there something i can do for you?" kind of look. Why?

Answer 1

A smile is for some people is like saying hello or good morning. In New york or Jersey you would be lucky to get a smile. Here in Colorado people will smile and say good morning or whatever. It all depends on where you live. Try something, when a person looks at you and smiles give a smile and a verbal greeting back

Answer 2

Maybe people are just happy...I smile all the time and some people look at me like I'm crazy, and some people tell me I have pretty teeth or a pretty smile...then some tell me I have pretty hair (what that has to do with my smile I have no idea) or they say, "Excuse me, I'm not trying to be rude, but do you mind me asking what nationality you are?" Or maybe you just make people smile.

Answer 3

its culture
in different areas in the USA you will get various looks or words

to me its natural to smile-and you probably look like your from another country and not smiling so they tend to want to show a hi to you with a smile. When in Rome do as the Romans do-try smiling back-

this is what made smiling natural to me=this is how I as a Jew came to know Jesus personally

"Unto us a child is born, a son is given, and he will be the mighty God, and the prince of peace." Isaiah 9:6

the answer is still in the salvation of the soul-till then we are on the outside looking in. Revelation 22 "Do not add to my word or take from it or you will receieve plagues, and never find salvation.

this is how I got salvation-believing the Word of God="I love you, and ask you to repent of your sins (even one lie) quickly. Behold I stand at your heart door and knock if you hear my words and ask me in, I will come in and be your friend." Revelation 1:1=Jesus words spoken from heaven & 3:19&20

so i prayed "Jesus I am sorry for my sins, come into my heart and help me, be my friend, amen."

Now Jesus is my Messiah, Bright and morning star, best friend, and savior, he comforts and keeps me, and His word has become the love letter of my life in Spirit and in truth.

Praying the best for you too, David

Answer 4

it's a sign of respect. The are acknowledging your presence. They don't want to strike up a conversation as they are on their way to doing something. Just smile and nod.

Answer 5

Honestly I smile because i get nervous... I dont want to seem rude... or seem like an over social wierdo so i just smile and say hi or nod as i pass by.....

Answer 6

A smile is just an acknowledgment that they see you, They don't know you, so they don't say hi, but they see you. You are not invisible. Maybe they think you're cute?

Answer 7

Its a sign of respect, take it and enjoy it. Say "hi" or smile back.

Answer 8

maybe it their way of saying hi, also it a sign of respect too.

Answer 9

That was back in Africa, YOU ARE IN THE U.S. ! The fact that we have "Running CLEAN Municiply supplied water, clean working Toilets, and paved roads, must REALLY be blowing your mind !