you must be a prevert! LOL j/k
I had some experience with "old southern" hospitality ( Bristol TN ) more than a few moons ago and often wonder ... back then and down there if you *didn't* give a wave or a nod to other folks on your way past you'd be seen as odd.
I expect its still pretty much the same but nowadays up here, like you say, you'd likely be seen as odd if you did that.
Shame
Over here, most of the folks are friendly and more apt to engage in a casual conversation. It is nice...and I noticed it was like that during my Ohio visit, too. :)
I do the same thing Ron. Sometimes people look at me strange but they usually do respond. My younger son is like me. He always speaks to people he passes or sees or are just in his area. He always has. Even as a young child he would engage people in a conversation or just say hi have a good day as he passed someone. People are startled a bit by him when he does it. I think it's his size, he's 6'5" and weighs in at 285. He has a beard. (His hair is getting a little sparse on top. I can't see it unless he is sitting down in front of me) he will jump right in to help someone. he's very social and friendly and a really nice guy.
peace baby
Lily
I believe that it is natural for you to be outgoing and friendly. That is why this group is so active. It is difficult for me to be friendly toward others but I do try on occasion.
One recent event - I was getting ready to go somewhere in my car. While I was going toward it, I saw a well dressed woman running in the parking lot toward the street. Across the street, I saw a bus pull away from the bus stop. The woman then quit running and stood a moment. She then got out her cell phone and made a phone call. I figured she was running for the bus but missed it. I drove up by her and asked if she needed a ride. Sure enough, she did and it was to a place very near. She was on her way to work so I took her there. I know she appreciated it. I also take buses too. If I ever miss a bus, I want someone to be kind enough to offer me a ride.
I am really laughing out loud now Ron. Of course I come from Texas where talking to people in lines and smiling and speaking to strangers was common place. We moved to Minnesota in 2000.
Now anyone who has listened to Garrison Keillor talk about Lake Woebegone has gotten a taste of that now famous Norwegian reserve. People are friendly enough, but they really need a decade or two to get to know you first. First few times I smiled and said hello, you'd thought I had knocked them backwards. Then a pause as the accent came through, and they would ask, "where are you from?"
Well I debated long and hard about whether I should change. Ultimately opted not to though I did compromise my approach a little bit. Not so much direct eye contact right at the beginning for instance. Sort of sneaking up on them so to speak. Then there is a way of speaking that can be useful. Like most places, the weather always a good starter. But always in a self effacing non-complaining way. "I heard it might get cold today." (okay it's 30 below zero outside). "Yep, pretty cold out there, though it can be a lot worse."
Or if you are angry with the cashier... "Well if it were me and I had customers to wait on, I'm not sure I would spend quite so much time on my cell phone, dontcha know?"
In the 8 years I have been here, something changed. Now I talk to folks in lines and smile to people in the streets. They smile back. It could be that they changed. But my inclination is that it was me that really transformed, rendering me safe to the locals because I am a local myself now.
Labrys, your mention of Garrison Keillor and Lake Woebegone brought a smile to my face. Being half Norwegian I have more than my share of the famous Norwegian reserve. I am a loner and I kind of like it that way. My wife on the other hand will talk to anyone anywhere anytime. Neither of us has any desire to change, and I think there is plenty of room in this world for both types
... for further insight into how a Yooper ( it's a michigan term for the Upper Pennisula ) talks - have a glance at the movie 'Fargo'. Once you get past the overall absurdity of the plot you can see what Labrys means by 'Sort of sneaking up on them so to speak" ... and it's true
I was in St. Paul in the mid 80's ... I have never seen so many beautiful, long legged red-headed women in my lie!
These days I prefer a blond/green eyed Lathian women .... nice save huh? lol....
In the south we do naturally have a more laid back, friendly style, and often talk to strangers in a friendly manner. I've noticed that when I'm out in the public and someone smiles at me, I just feel better and don't mind the errand so much somehow. It just makes an impression on me, I like to think that there is still some human kindness left. I've also noticed that if you smile at people, they usually smile back, otherwise they'll just tend more to their own business if you don't make the 1st move to be friendly.
It was a nice save, though your man fingers hit the wrong key...Latvian. Up yonder by the Baltic...
