How do you handle people who don't respond when you say hello to them?

Question

And it's someone you know, like a coworker you see everyday. Seriously, the guy just doesn't respond to certain people. What would you do?

Answer 1

why does it matter if he says hello back? i'd continue to say hello to everyone and if he doesnt respond, oh well. life goes on.

Answer 2

If you wish to continue saying "Hello" to them, please do so.

My mother had this same situation, only the co-worker was a woman doctor. For years, my mother continued her pleasantries, and the woman would never answer her. Only years later, when the doctor had become seriously ill and was leaving the company did the lady come to my mother and, suddenly, all was "explained." The lady was very, VERY shy, and she just felt terribly awkward about my mother's pleasantries. But, it did not go unnoticed. She thanked my mother for being such a kind, and friendly face all those years. She had felt that all the other co-workers were "uppity" and "snotty" and looked down on her. My mother was touched... so even though the lady never responded, my mother's "Hellos" meant a lot to the lady.

So... what does it "cost" you to smile and say, "Hello" or "Good morning," etc? You never know, but you might just be making a big difference to someone who deeply needs a friendly face!

Have a great day!

Answer 3

Some people just suck and are rude. If he can't be decent and say hello back then don't waste your breath on him. Is it really important that he say hello back. If he can't appreciate your politeness then he isn't worth the courtesy in the first place. Try saying hello to other co workers and not him. Maybe he'll get the hint. Life is too short to worry about little things like that.

Answer 4

Well, I usually go on and ignore them. But sometimes if that person does it all the time, I'll say "well, nice talking to you" or something of the sort. Or I'll ask " how are you doing" which forces the person to have to say something or risk looking totally rude. If they still don't respond, i take that as the person doesn't want to talk to me. If they do, and don't seem annoyed, I figure the person was just shy or isn't used to saying hi back (and normally that person starts saying hi after that).

Answer 5

If people don't respond after I say hi, I just say.. Or not. Lol. Or something to that effect. I usually laugh a little. Maybe the next time they talk to you, you can say.. You can see me?!

Answer 6

Never say HELLO to a person who does not respond to you, because:

1. They don't like you, because you sound weird or look weird or you are absolutely weird.
2. They are racist.
3. They are lazy.
4. They may be mute, but then they would wave their hand or their head instead.
5. They may be a thief or a criminal who did something to your property.
6. They are retarded and stupid.
7. They are arrogant.
8. In rare cases they are shy and if you try a few more times they may begin talking to you.
9. They hate their own voice.
10. They hate their mother as they have personal issues with their appearance, voice, accent etc.
11. They think you are Jesus.
12. They think you are a debt collector, salesperson, taxman, pederast, pervert, another criminal, etc.

Answer 7

In my opinion it should not bother you either way if the person speaks or not, i have spoken to people that did not speak me when i said hi and have spoken to people that only said hi when i said hi to them, that made me realize some people don't wanna be bothered, even if those people speak or not they are doing nothing for you either way, your main focus should be making a living or making some money because that is what you are gonna need in the long run to survive.

Answer 8

I just keep on walking. Happens every day where I work. I work with like 500 people. Some are just shy and don't like to be bothered. I'll say hi anyway tho.

Answer 9

I go out of my way to say it again, really loudly so they can't pretend they didn't hear. Granted, I have only done this outdoors, so I don't know how well this would be received in an office.

Answer 10

Stop saying hello to him.