Just curious...

Luba · 04-22-2007, 04:46 PM

if you meet people you don't know on the street with:
(1) a smile
(2) a hello
(3) indifference

I did an experiment yesterday because I was in such a great mood! The sun was shining, I went for the longest walk of the year, and so many people I met along the way I either smiled, said 'hello', or other friendly words that came into mind! I had so many positive reactions! Some people were taken aback by my friendliness and responded with a 'hi', a smile, or some conversation. One wonderful lady invited me to tour her flower garden any time I wanted to just because I told her how beautiful it was when I walked by in the mornings to go to work....

I feel someone has to start to acknowledge others; you never know what a friendly 'hello' does to a person who is either sad or going through a problem...I know someone's smile brightens my day or a problem I'm having...I just don't feel so alone....

Duke · 04-22-2007, 04:47 PM

Hopefully you trimmed your nosehair back prior to trying this experiment

Luba · 04-22-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

Hopefully you trimmed your nosehair back prior to trying this experiment

That's just harsh! BTW, where is the laughing emoticon I LOVE to use?

Duke · 04-22-2007, 07:33 PM

I have to upload new avatars to the site so I'm looking for some nicer ones than we had previously and possibly to replace the current emoticons as well.

TKDLady · 04-22-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luba

if you meet people you don't know on the street with:
(1) a smile
(2) a hello
(3) indifference

I try to at least smile. It kind of depends on my mood and if they look friendly or not. I know that isn't a good excuse but I am really shy and have a hard time dealing with strangers in any circumstance.

Adonaicole · 04-23-2007, 04:20 PM

I try to smile at everyone I meet.

Meanon · 04-23-2007, 05:00 PM

I'm oblivious to people I pass by, but if I notice them I smile. Once this stranger came into my garden and I had NO IDEA who he was. It was the old man from next door. Isn't that terrible? We were really friendly after that. It's the same at work, I've had so many jobs and people know me and I really have no idea who they are, it's really embarassing. Unless someone catches my interest I hardly register them. But then when someone does I find them quite fascinating.

Luba, the smiling thing is one I do with clients a lot to alter their perceptions of the world, it's a small thing but has quite a big effect and is usually a first step in a fear hierarchy for people who are socially anxious.