the Disappearance of common courtesy

mr.nobody · 08-10-2010, 06:11 AM

Im not expecting much but how bad is it now that no one on the streets now a days will really exchange a simple "hello, how are you doing."? Are things really that bad now...?

my_scatterheart · 08-10-2010, 06:13 AM

cellphones.

osirus2020 · 08-10-2010, 06:39 AM

When you say 'morning to people, you can see how uncomfortable they get when they realize a stranger is talking to them. People are strange.

clive · 08-10-2010, 07:03 AM

depends where your from, when I went to Italy everyone greeted each other it seemed so much friendlier than over here in England.

hijabihippie · 08-10-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.nobody

Im not expecting much but how bad is it now that no one on the streets now a days will really exchange a simple "hello, how are you doing."? Are things really that bad now...?

Sadly, yes, and have been so for quite some time, in my experience.

SmokeaJoint · 08-10-2010, 07:59 AM

Most people respond to the cordial nod, no problem.

Lloydy · 08-10-2010, 08:00 AM

Depends on where you are. If im out walking the dogs and I bump into someone in the woods or something I always say hello but in town only weirdos greet strangers.

The Rev · 08-10-2010, 08:06 AM

I hardly ever say hello to strangers, unless I'm in a REALLY good mood. On the other hand, I'll hold doors for people, say excuse me where called for, and express courtesy in other ways. I think it just depends on who you're dealing with.

The Rev

hijabihippie · 08-10-2010, 08:10 AM

People don't even do that, where I'm from. It's really unfortunate.

Being · 08-10-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rev

I hardly ever say hello to strangers, unless I'm in a REALLY good mood. On the other hand, I'll hold doors for people, say excuse me where called for, and express courtesy in other ways. I think it just depends on who you're dealing with.

The Rev

this

my_scatterheart · 08-10-2010, 08:29 AM

I don't say hello to every single person I pass, but there's nothing worse than making full on eye contact with someone and then not saying anything. So when that happens it's usually just a "how's it goin". But you'd be surprised how many people just revert to looking at the ground. S'fucked

myxomatosis · 08-10-2010, 09:10 AM

Yeah I can't count the number of times I said hello to someone and then was completely ignored. Maybe even worse is when you're working retail and you greet someone and ask how they are only to get whatever they wish to buy barked at you. I'm not expecting you to pretend we're friends but a simple return of a hello would be nice.

I get irritated with dumb shit like that, like when you go out of your way to let someone out in traffic and they can't throw up a hand to say thanks. Same with holding the door for someone who just walks on by as if you're their personal doorman.

crookedhatinator45 · 08-10-2010, 09:16 AM

i think the US' common courtesy has fled mostly to canada and other countries where they're not treated like assholes for saying hello to srangers who walk bye

Bearsy · 08-10-2010, 09:40 AM

I'll say hi to anyone, passing in the street maybe a smile and nod, but if we're waiting for the bus I'll strike up a conversation.
Most people will be friendly in return, it's rare in Buffalo to find impersonal people.
Except maybe downtown, all the suits and shit. They feel they're too good for everyone though.

Bearsy · 08-10-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hijabihippie

People don't even do that, where I'm from. It's really unfortunate.

This is true. I'm one of the few people I know who will hold a door for strangers. People get surprised. All I can say is "My momma raised me right!"

mr.nobody · 08-10-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my_scatterheart

cellphones.

yeah I think they have made people used to the whole impersonality

Quote:

Originally Posted by osirus2020

When you say 'morning to people, you can see how uncomfortable they get when they realize a stranger is talking to them. People are strange.

its ridiculous and pretty sad

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rev

I hardly ever say hello to strangers, unless I'm in a REALLY good mood. On the other hand, I'll hold doors for people, say excuse me where called for, and express courtesy in other ways. I think it just depends on who you're dealing with.

same here I always try to, I always try to leave people with a nice first impression. ..depends tho also

Quote:

Originally Posted by myxomatosis

Maybe even worse is when you're working retail .

wish I could give you +2 thanks

adventure · 08-10-2010, 09:55 AM

If a one on one..getting coffee at the store, when your standing side by side pouring your coffee then milk and sugar thats like 30 seconds of standing next to someone I have to say atleast good morning. and Hiking if you pass someone you have to say something for me its usually a quick goodday'. I can't stand punk ass kids that just try not to make eye contact.

08-10-2010, 10:00 AM

I feel really awkward if I don't wave or say hi to strangers when in passing.

Or for example...sitting out by the river and a boat goes by...you know they're looking at you, and they know your are looking at them, so it's all about who's going to make the first move. If the stare goes on too long I wave first.

I find too if I'm driving a back road if I come across an old man on a tractor, or just an old man walking with a homeade walking stick, those guys always wave.

In some instances when in a busy public situation..I may make quick small talk and say something totally weird.

farmergiles · 08-10-2010, 10:00 AM

Lack of respect always sucks.

Unfortunately in a huge city teeming with people you just don't have time to deal with everyone in a polite manner.

Unless you're a bit mad and don't have anything else to do.
Or you're an annoying drunk tourist who decides that everyone needs to cheer up and you're the ray of sunshine that's going to do it.

I find France, Germany and Spain very well mannered in a strange formal way. They love you if you conform to the niceties of protocol.

Lloydy · 08-10-2010, 10:15 AM

Have you ever been on a bus in spain? its mental they all shout at each other. people would look at you like you were from mars if you sat next to someone on a bus and started talking to them here

08-10-2010, 06:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
mr.nobody (310) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA Posts: 1,454 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 771 Thanked 193 Times in 139 Posts	the Disappearance of common courtesy Im not expecting much but how bad is it now that no one on the streets now a days will really exchange a simple "hello, how are you doing."? Are things really that bad now...? __________________

08-10-2010, 06:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
my_scatterheart Today, I am alive. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 3,565 Thanks: 1,486 Thanked 3,323 Times in 1,870 Posts	cellphones. __________________ Be mindful even if your mind is full. -J. De La Vega

08-10-2010, 08:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lloydy KTF Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: England Posts: 11,973 Thanks: 533 Thanked 2,477 Times in 1,138 Posts	Depends on where you are. If im out walking the dogs and I bump into someone in the woods or something I always say hello but in town only weirdos greet strangers. __________________ Keep the red flag flying high

08-10-2010, 08:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
The Rev Clear Light Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In my head, somewhere. Posts: 17,860 Thanks: 5,012 Thanked 5,416 Times in 2,862 Posts	I hardly ever say hello to strangers, unless I'm in a REALLY good mood. On the other hand, I'll hold doors for people, say excuse me where called for, and express courtesy in other ways. I think it just depends on who you're dealing with. The Rev __________________ Budforce - My Friend August 29, 1973- May 25, 2012

08-10-2010, 08:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
my_scatterheart Today, I am alive. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 3,565 Thanks: 1,486 Thanked 3,323 Times in 1,870 Posts	I don't say hello to every single person I pass, but there's nothing worse than making full on eye contact with someone and then not saying anything. So when that happens it's usually just a "how's it goin". But you'd be surprised how many people just revert to looking at the ground. S'fucked __________________ Be mindful even if your mind is full. -J. De La Vega

08-10-2010, 08:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
hijabihippie YaHookan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,481 Thanks: 1,152 Thanked 655 Times in 515 Posts	People don't even do that, where I'm from. It's really unfortunate.

08-10-2010, 09:10 AM	#12 (permalink)
myxomatosis life is music Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: between a pair of headphones Posts: 3,917 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 933 Times in 597 Posts	Yeah I can't count the number of times I said hello to someone and then was completely ignored. Maybe even worse is when you're working retail and you greet someone and ask how they are only to get whatever they wish to buy barked at you. I'm not expecting you to pretend we're friends but a simple return of a hello would be nice. I get irritated with dumb shit like that, like when you go out of your way to let someone out in traffic and they can't throw up a hand to say thanks. Same with holding the door for someone who just walks on by as if you're their personal doorman. __________________ oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see how you're the light over me last.fm blog deal (updated 12/22/11)

08-10-2010, 09:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
adventure Adventure its good Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 4,726 Thanks: 1,850 Thanked 1,458 Times in 1,088 Posts	If a one on one..getting coffee at the store, when your standing side by side pouring your coffee then milk and sugar thats like 30 seconds of standing next to someone I have to say atleast good morning. and Hiking if you pass someone you have to say something for me its usually a quick goodday'. I can't stand punk ass kids that just try not to make eye contact. __________________ Coming Full Range

08-10-2010, 10:00 AM	#18 (permalink)
turmaline Guest Posts: n/a	I feel really awkward if I don't wave or say hi to strangers when in passing. Or for example...sitting out by the river and a boat goes by...you know they're looking at you, and they know your are looking at them, so it's all about who's going to make the first move. If the stare goes on too long I wave first. I find too if I'm driving a back road if I come across an old man on a tractor, or just an old man walking with a homeade walking stick, those guys always wave. In some instances when in a busy public situation..I may make quick small talk and say something totally weird.

08-10-2010, 10:00 AM	#19 (permalink)
farmergiles Yahookan Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sick of the hatred and the lies Posts: 7,793 Thanks: 2,280 Thanked 3,746 Times in 2,551 Posts	Lack of respect always sucks. Unfortunately in a huge city teeming with people you just don't have time to deal with everyone in a polite manner. Unless you're a bit mad and don't have anything else to do. Or you're an annoying drunk tourist who decides that everyone needs to cheer up and you're the ray of sunshine that's going to do it. I find France, Germany and Spain very well mannered in a strange formal way. They love you if you conform to the niceties of protocol. __________________ Cultivate a stoic calmness *Fuck the Monkeys* Every Kind of Vice

08-10-2010, 10:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
Lloydy KTF Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: England Posts: 11,973 Thanks: 533 Thanked 2,477 Times in 1,138 Posts	Have you ever been on a bus in spain? its mental they all shout at each other. people would look at you like you were from mars if you sat next to someone on a bus and started talking to them here __________________ Keep the red flag flying high

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