Hello, Hey, Howdy, Good Morning/Evening

How many times have you walked into a doctor’s office full of waiting patients and no one spoke to you? What do you think would have happened if you had said hello or good morning/afternoon?

Most likely the patients would have momentarily looked up from their cellphones and back down again. But, you might have even gotten a hello back.

If you grew up in a small town, speaking as they called it was commonplace. Sometimes speaking would be just a nod of the head. Even when driving down the road, a nod or a wave was expected between drivers.

Just when did we stop acknowledging each other? Personally, I think tinted windows are partly to blame. Of course, folks stopped trusting each other and think there is a motive to all this friendliness.

When I have gone to New York City, I purposedly say hello to people on the street to see the response. The surprise on their faces is, well, a surprise. Many people do smile or say hello back. My friend who lives there is so amused that people respond to me so easily. We agree it is the Southern accent. They want to hear me. And when needed I can lay it on. Y’allllllll.

Start bringing back friendliness, say hello to people in line at the grocery, the cashier, and see if this will make a difference.

And everyone have a safe and fun July 4th, 2023.