Valid point, though I'm happy as a clam being just alone by myself, and usually more stressed around people (generally large groups). I know lots of people who are the exact opposite too, so I don't think you can make a judgement solely on that.
Do you talk to other humans in public??
- Thread starter dualthreat
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Valid point, though I'm happy as a clam being just alone by myself, and usually more stressed around people (generally large groups). I know lots of people who are the exact opposite too, so I don't think you can make a judgement solely on that.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
I am still taken aback a bit when I smile and nod at someone, or even say hello, and they make eye contact, do nothing and then just look away (so you know they saw/heard you). C'mon people, at least do something!
I like to hold the door and wait for a "thank you." I at least expect a nod. Even a grunt... some kind of acknowledgement of the effort. When I get nothing I like to say, really loudly, "You're Welcome!"
In California there's a nod you give people. Basically a hello without words.
It's odd to me that I don't see that as much in the Midwest.
It's odd to me that I don't see that as much in the Midwest.
I'm an extroverted introvert. I'm fairly friendly and can have a long conversation with pretty well anyone, but generally prefer not to be surrounded by a bunch of people.
I echo the others who said that people just talk to them, though. I think I have the "Iowa smile" down, and I don't have even remotely a case of RBF, so strangers talk to me a ton. Lots of people at conventions, food service workers, coworkers - I've heard dozens of life stories.
I echo the others who said that people just talk to them, though. I think I have the "Iowa smile" down, and I don't have even remotely a case of RBF, so strangers talk to me a ton. Lots of people at conventions, food service workers, coworkers - I've heard dozens of life stories.
If I "engage" in conversation with a stranger who won't even acknowledge my overtures, I usually smile and as I turn and walk away I'll say somewhat loudly "good talk Rusty". It makes ME smile at the very least.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
They did not. Also, I did it again. I'm not learning.
I have two groups of people who seem to hunt me down. Anybody who has, or is getting, a divorce; and ones with special needs. You want to know why someone is unhappy in their marriage? They have probably told me why. I have no idea why special needs individuals make a bee line to me but they do. My wife has noticed it also. I have no issue and enjoy conversing with them, but I've been at funerals or social functions and have seen them walk directly at me. I used to be on a management team of a nonprofit for individuals with high physical and mental disabilities so maybe I welcome them or something without knowing it.
Those are two incredibly specific groups of people. I do get a fair number of special needs people, but probably more people who are just socially awkward.
There's something to this, but I also think things like FB, twitter, etc. can by harmful as well. The way everyone fabricates their lives can make it feel like there's some sort of aspirations everyone should be meeting, instead of allowing people to be content with their own life.
If it comes to outdoor rec, camping, running, etc. I much prefer to be alone and actually like going to shows/concerts solo. Some call this 'selfish' but I like 'independent'.
A good group of healthy people to keep in touch with and at least occasionally surround yourself with though is important.
You meet lots of neat people by taking the time to talk to them. It's well worth the risk.
It's funny because my mom is the same way. And my dad is opposite. You know the type of guy who will end up having a tour of the dry-cleaner when he just went in to pick up his suit.
No wonder how my parents met . . . .
Now that is Iowa Nice and passive aggressive behavior rolled into one move, congrats.
Are you that guy who holds the door for me when I'm 20-30 feet away from it and debating whether or not I left something in the car that I needed, and then I see you tapping your foot so I hurry up to keep from pissing you off and I trip on the curb, fall and spill all the contents of my purse all over the side walk, and then you glare at me while I'm scrambling to pick them up and rush through that door that you insisted on holding open even though I wasn't ready to enter the building yet?
Thanks.
(need jimlad)
