Do you think it's rude to NOT greet strangers?

Question

I'm confused. As a kid, we were always taught to NOT speak to strangers, but we would be called rude if we didn't greet them by saying HELLO when passing by out in public.

Answer 1

Kids have no filters. They are unable to distinguish between genuine and false, honest or deceitful, friend or foe. That's why the prudent thing to do is each children not to be overly friendly with strangers, take candy from them, accept rides from them, yadda yadda yadda.

However, if you are not a kid, and have developed some worldly-wise people-savvy, saying 'hey' to folks on the street is a reasonable thing to do. I say hi to folks all the time that I don't know - even people at work who never respond (their problem...).

I believe that deep in every-body's dark little heart that they yearn for and appreciate the every day small kindnesses that we can do for each other - and acknowledging someones presence with a "hi" is very small, but affordable gift. If the gift is not returned (with a return Hi or whatever) then at least you have the pleasure of having been the giver.

Answer 2

It depends on the situation, at work or as a client or at doing official visits to an office it's not a bad idea to be polite and greet (just greeting "hellow" "good morning" etc, and keep walking, there is no need to take it any further if you don't know them).

In the streets or in strange places it's not good to talk or even greet (or greet back) anyone you don't know. Most of the time it's a trick to make you a victim of crime.

It's better to be rude and ignore the "greeting stranger" than finding yourself raped, kidnaped or mugged at gun point.

Answer 3

Personally I don't consider it rude not to greet strangers, but I'm from New York. We don't greet strangers, we only greet friends and aquaintances.
Once in a while I say hello to someone I don't know simply because I want them to stop staring at me.........it always works.

Answer 4

I dont think it is particularly rude not to greet every stranger you see. That would be ridiculous to try to do that.

My feelings is to be polite and courteous to others and I speak to people often but I also try to keep a smile on my face (even though I may not feel like it inside at the time).
If a person speaks to me, I usually say hello and am pretty friendly. It really depends on the circumstance.
I think it is important for children to be taught not to speak to people they do not know but as grown up, it is safe to just greet people courteously in public.
And remember it never hurts to be good to other people.
Good luck to you.
God Bless.

Answer 5

Everyday. Its good for yourself. Try to greet 5 strangers everyday.

Answer 6

I try to stay unnoticed, I don't think it's rude at ALL to not great strangers, actualy, i think it's rude to say "hi" to everyone, you'd never stop talking and ppl will think ur a pervert....but i'd probably make a good target on the outside, i'm small, pudgy and look like i break easly.... i'm actualy prettty strong, and don't break.

Answer 7

If you live in a largely populated area it wouldn't be wise to speak to strangers. In a small town it could be rude to not at least give a head nod.

Answer 8

It used to be proper etiquette that the only way you met strangers was when a mutual friend would introduce you to that person.
In a business situation today,the rule is different.

Answer 9

No! I'm on your tip! I feel funny about that! I know I'm not rude! I have respect for everyone I walk by! I'm always willing to give someone the benefit of a doubt!

Answer 10

It would depend on the type of meeting. If someone speaks to you as you are passing by, then yes, return the greeting. That is common courtesy.