AITA: Everyone waves or says good morning at the park I go to on the weekends to run/bike.

The last few weeks I’ve started to avoid eye contact (looking straight/down/away) to not have to awkwardly smile at random Susan and Harry while I’m working out.

We’re at the same park at the same time, why do we have to greet each other 🤷🏻‍♀️

likefunny
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A smile costs nothing but means a lot, and makes the world a nicer place. No need to be a misery...

likeupliftingsmart

YTA

likehelpfulfunny

Idk D1, I’ll smile/wave if I must, but I’m for sure not speaking while out on a run.

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Enjoy the fact that you’re part of a community. It feels good to connect with others over things as stupid as using the park at the same time.

Embrace your humanity, and don’t be a grump.

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One smile could save someone’s life

likeupliftingsmart

Why do you care? You’ll spend less energy if you care less about these external things.

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Are you living in the South or Midwest and from the Northeast or West Coast?

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I think it’s more of a small town/big city difference. I’ve been in small towns in the northeast and west coast where it’s standard to greet people you pass.

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I don’t know that YTA - but honestly who cares? You’re overthinking it. A little smile isn’t going to hurt you. Or don’t even smile and just do a little head nod and a wave. Nobody is trying to become your bestie while you’re running or riding by.

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I cannot imagine you being a terribly happy person with this cold attitude

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Sorry if you were that grumpy dude I waved to this morning who frowned back but like, we are all out here sweaty and miserable. I thought you were offended by my sports bra but turns out, you’re just a grouch.

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You might have liked my sports bra then! It says f the patriarchy 🤗

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I moved to a place where I don't know anyone. Sometimes I walk or go to the park just to see people. When people say hi it makes me feel less alone. When people actively avoid acknowledging me I feel invisible and sad. You don't know what's going on with people, how hard is it to nod or smile?

likeuplifting

You’re not. I do the same. It’s a uniquely American and annoying concept that you should acknowledge total strangers in public places.

likefunny

Italy was great! So was Ireland - super friendly but in an entirely different way. Mexico was warm but very shy with Americans at first. Egypt kind of that way too. Japan quite formal as you’d expect but if you give them time can be warm and curious. The differences seem to be in the initial contact, with most everyone being warm once they get to know you.

Nothing wrong with feeling particularly insular sometimes and more outgoing others. There’s also nothing wrong with a quick head nod if you happen to catch someone’s eye. There’s also nothing wrong with a friendly wave if you’re feeling it.

Don’t overthink it but I’d suggest generally erring on the side of being friendly, you never know what the future holds.

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Yes

like

You clearly are not from a Southern state. You’d be considered really strange if you didn’t say good morning to everyone.

You do realize where that comes from though? It’s the reason why people started shaking hands etc. You are demonstrating that you’re not a threat. It has morphed into a kindness/respect thing over the generations.

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That’s not what I was saying at all 😆. Just a historical footnote. Southern states were frontier regions for a long time. Now it’s just part of our culture, and genuinely meant to express hospitality. One of the things I love here.

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one smile can be an invitation for harassment. I don’t care if it makes me look like a savage.

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I did have someone turn around and follow me and then turn back around a few weeks ago 👀

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Ignore the strangers, acknowledge the acquaintances

NTA

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You’re not the a-hole, just kinda savage

I’m from the north east. It’s just strange to me that we don’t go around saying hello to everyone in the grocery store - why are we doing it at a park? Especially when I’m all sweaty.

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