Question of the month

12/7/2015

I'm back with another question of the month posed by Michael D'Agostino at a Life Examined. Feel free to join the fun every month and see what others answer.

Which one social convention would you get rid of?

In other words, what’s one thing that society insists you do that you can’t stand?

Not going to lie, my gut reaction was to say ALL OF THEM! Despite how chatty and open I can be online, I am actually a very anti-social person. Talking to people face to face? Especially a complete stranger? Please don't make me. Let me hid in a corner or behind someone else who is talking.

This isn't my real answer, of course. I know of the perfect social convention I would LOVE to get rid of. *sharpens ax*

Saying hi to people when I'm walking. One of the most awkward things for me is seeing someone I know that I'm walking toward on the sidewalk and making eye contact. Do I walk looking at the ground all the time because of this? Yes, yes I do. And it's not even people I know. It's awkward saying hello to strangers. I feel like they are expecting more of a conversation.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT ASK ME HOW'S IT GOING!

Nods and smiles are the worst too. When I see people I try not to look, but constantly peek because I don't want to look rude by not returning their greeting. So please, if you see me passing your path, just ignore me because I am doing my best to ignore you. It's nothing personal.

8 Comments

Sarah Foster link

12/7/2015 06:16:10 am

Haha I'm the same way! Luckily I live in a region where most people want nothing to do with strangers (if you said hi to a stranger you'd be more likely to get a strange look than a hi back). But I doubt everyone else is as anxious about it as I am.

Christine Rains link

12/7/2015 06:41:46 am

Oh yeah, I'm totally with you on this. I'm happy in my own head. Can people just leave me alone there?

Alex J. Cavanaugh link

12/7/2015 06:47:26 am

I promise if I ever see you in real life I won't smile - I'll scowl menacingly at you!

Chrys Fey link

12/7/2015 09:25:17 am

I didn't do the Question of the Month this month because I was stumped but I think I would've said the same thing you did. I'm an introvert so talking to strangers is painful. And when I'm in public, I barely make eye contact. LOL

J.H. Moncrieff link

12/8/2015 11:10:47 am

Wow, I'm the complete opposite. I love it when people smile and say hello as they pass by - unless it's a guy being creepy.

That's one thing I love about visiting other countries. I find people tend to be a lot friendlier once I leave North American soil. In Africa, women stopped and shook hands with us before going on their way.

Cherie Reich link

12/8/2015 01:55:56 pm

Same, so much the same! I just don't get people--strangers--who say hi or strike up a conversation. I'm more "stare at my feet and glance up to make sure I'm not running into something" person. I also tend to be thinking while walking and people make me lose my train of thought.

Nick Wilford link

12/8/2015 02:10:46 pm

I totally agree - and as I live in a very small town, I'm constantly seeing people I know when out and about. Other parents at the school etc, who are really just acquaintances, so I feel awkward if they want to have a whole conversation like we're intimate friends. Plus I'm always in a hurry. The worst is when you mistake a complete stranger for someone you do know, and you wave but then pretend you were scratching your head or something when they give you an odd look. Arghh!