Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Maurie7]

A "G'day how are you" doesn't go astray, especially if you make eye contact. Hopefully it's not a dying trend.

 

[Chrisaw14]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

Every day my wife and I take our dog to a nearby "off leash"" dog park and meet and greet others in the park. We find it stimulating and love the interaction with the people and their dogs. We live on the Gold Coast not near the beaches. People of all social levels interact. We are in our late 70's.

 

[Kab]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

Well I have lived with this way of of thinking, but after a new neighbour arrived next door I am very cautious of trying to say hello or even look in their direction, as I have been screamed at and abused for just giving a wave and smile. I have tried on other occasions but the response was so nasty that I now feel unsafe about making gestures to strangers.
I do like it when the occasional person makes that effort and I always respond it makes you feel happy and not so alone, if I feel a little down it seems to give me a boost for the day.
So yes I think it’s great, but I now can’t get myself back confident enough to do it anymore as I feel unsafe (Sad)

 

[Ian1]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

As has already been observed, a smile, a ‘g’day’, a ‘how are you?’ or even ‘are you ok?’ doesn’t go astray. If that is the ‘usual’ you, then be ‘you’, and don’t change your behaviour because someone might be offended. We are not responsible for the reaction of others. We can become too sensitive to others’ opinions and reactions. An old saying: ‘what you think of me is none of my business!’ Unfortunately we live in an age where everything is hurried and impatient, and all about ‘fast’ everything and convenience, and the bigger the area we live in (eg cities), the worse it is. How dare I slow you down by greeting you! An unfortunate by-product of the Covid pandemic is the now common abstinence from even shaking hands, which, being old-school, I miss. Even the friendly hand-wave or finger-wave to passing motorists on the open highway seems to often be a thing of the past. Bring back common courtesy, I say.

 

[PDYR]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

Ive been walking the same route in my suburb for a few years. I do say hi, hello, smile or nod to everyone. Most of the time I get a response. Due to walking the same route most days I sometimes got to stop and chat to some of them, found out their names and then got to introduce some of them to each other. Two started having cuppas together. I felt I had a walking family so each person I met and found out their name I gave them the surname of ‘Walker’ they know this and think it’s great especially the one who’s surname is actually Walker. I have around 12 members of my ‘Walker’ family and it is a joy to say hi even if they don’t have time to stop. Enjoy your day

 

[Singalong]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

I'm a dog walker and every body that has a dog always says hello. We stop and chat so our dogies can interact with each other. It's a great way to pass an hour or so.

 

[Sloopy]

I greet people in the village I go to once or twice a week. Some I know, some I don't, some are obviously tourists, but all either answer or at least acknowledge with a nod or smile. It is a different story when I go to the regional town about once every six weeks. Very few people respond at all, and some have even been unpleasant about being spoken to by a stranger, so I have pretty much given up in there unless I know people by sight. Sad.

 

[Tripper]

I moved, new state, new situation ie a suburban location during the first of a few lockdowns. What kept me from the black abyss of grief and loneliness were my walks along the waterfront with my dog. Those nods. smiles and GDays were the only human interaction I had for many weeks.
Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to make real meaningful friendships as a suddenly single woman of a wonderful age.

 

[adorableagnes]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

I always speak to people on a quiet street who are dog walking or whatever. It doesn't hurt to wish someone a good day, it may be the only human voice they here all day

 

[PattiB]

Ive been walking the same route in my suburb for a few years. I do say hi, hello, smile or nod to everyone. Most of the time I get a response. Due to walking the same route most days I sometimes got to stop and chat to some of them, found out their names and then got to introduce some of them to each other. Two started having cuppas together. I felt I had a walking family so each person I met and found out their name I gave them the surname of ‘Walker’ they know this and think it’s great especially the one who’s surname is actually Walker. I have around 12 members of my ‘Walker’ family and it is a joy to say hi even if they don’t have time to stop. Enjoy your day

My husband walks the same route most days & has befriended a lot of couples and men close to his age that he chats to most days. They all have similar health issues which makes all of them feel not so alone. We both grew up in rural Tassie so tend to smile at most people, though not so much in the cities. We even greet most people in our son’s suburb of Perth, WA.

 

[PattiB]

Well I have lived with this way of of thinking, but after a new neighbour arrived next door I am very cautious of trying to say hello or even look in their direction, as I have been screamed at and abused for just giving a wave and smile. I have tried on other occasions but the response was so nasty that I now feel unsafe about making gestures to strangers.
I do like it when the occasional person makes that effort and I always respond it makes you feel happy and not so alone, if I feel a little down it seems to give me a boost for the day.
So yes I think it’s great, but I now can’t get myself back confident enough to do it anymore as I feel unsafe (Sad)

You poor thing! Fancy having such a horrible, unfriendly neighbour. I get on really well with the
neighbours nearby. We watch each other’s houses & collect parcels as well as sharing each others
heartbreaks. Don’t give up, especially with us oldies.

 

[millicent haha]

I feel it's both polite and friendly. I'm a walker and routinely say 'morning' in a cheery voice to all passersby and mostly get an amiable response, but occasionally not. It feels like we are part of a team. Sometimes people have earpieces in listening to or talking on their phones, or their demeanour tells me they'd rather not engage. The odd conversation might ensue but is not expected. I reckon I get away with it due to my age and rural location, as younger ones usually don't initiate but nearly always respond. I couldn't not do it and when recently walking in Brisbane, the surprised but friendly looks I got resulted in return greetings. Waving to cars is a bridge too far, unless I know them or am acknowledging a motoring kindness.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

I'm a dog walker and every body that has a dog always says hello. We stop and chat so our dogies can interact with each other. It's a great way to pass an hour or so.

I go walking a lot, though don't have a dog, and many people say 'hello' or 'How you garn?' stopping sometimes so I can pat their dogs. It's a lovely thing to do on a walk.

 

[Ricci]

Living in an over 55's village there is always someone to pass the time of day with. Even going to the bank of postboxes can take an hour or more, stopping to pass the time of day with this or that one. When I go into town though not so much, although almost every greeting is reciprocated.

 

[Genhillier24]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

Hi all, I am new to this forum. I am not from Regional Australia, just a lady from the suburbs. It's like letting people into traffic or thanking someone for letting you into traffic.....it's common courtesy. On a really busy street, it's not so easy because you would look manic, nodding every two seconds. But, to smile at someone in the supermarket, say g'day in passing is lovely. AND you don't know but, you just might have made someone's day. There are some sad and lonely people out there and everyone has aa bad day occasionally. Pass on the smiles people.

 

[Lorraine Franz]

Have you ever recently experienced walking down the street and greeting a random person only to be met with a blank stare, an awkward smile, or a confused expression?

One Aussie thought it was completely fine to say ‘good morning’ to passing strangers but found that others were not as eager to return the greeting.

As is typical in the digital age, the Aussie turned to Reddit, a popular social news website, for opinions.

He said: ‘I’ve always greeted people when walking past them on the street, just a quick head nod and a “good morning,” “good arvo,” or “how you goin’?” Is this still a thing people do in Australia? I swear people do it less and less, and sometimes people seem kinda shocked when I do it.’

The Redditor continued: ‘To clarify, I obviously don’t do it on super busy streets like city streets or if someone seems very distracted.’ He concluded his post by adding that he also originated from a small, rural town.

View attachment 6904
It’s normal to say hi to friends you meet unexpectedly in public places, but would you smile at a stranger? Credit: Shutterstock

Many Aussies confirmed that it was a normal thing to do, at least in non-urban areas.

One Redditor commented: ‘I do it. I’m from a regional area. I have a few acquaintances now in the neighbourhood where I swap garden cuttings and some regular walkers who ask me how I am and vice versa.’ They continued: ‘It’s just surface-level interactions but I have one old lady on a cross street that reckons I might be the only one who would notice if she wasn't around for a few days. Don't even know much about her but I can tell you her aspirations for her garden and her favourite plants.’ The commenter said it all began with a regular ‘good morning’ on their dog walking route.

Another wrote: ‘I just moved regional from outer SE. I've probably gone from 95% no acknowledgement to 95% acknowledgement of people when they walk past.’

A third shared: ‘I definitely say hi in rural areas, only because everyone else seems to do it. In metropolitan areas, not so much. I do give a nod or smile only if we make eye contact.’

Others shared their experience in trying to be friendly while in cities. One said: ‘I experienced that myself for the first time earlier this year. I live in regional QLD. Went to Sydney for a couple of days. Everyone picked me for a tourist straight away because I was too interactive with everyone.’ They continued: ‘I usually smile when someone notices me, say hello or give the head nod. Hard habit to break.’

Another Aussie chimed in: ‘I've found it's more acceptable the further away from the city you get. I look like a whackjob doing it in Sydney but it’s mostly fine in the suburbs.’

Another user found an interesting hypothesis as to why this is the case: ‘I forgot where I read it, but I think it was explained that in rural areas, you are very isolated, so you need to make an effort to interact with people. That is why people from rural towns are friendlier with strangers (saying hello in the street, waving in cars, etc). Whereas in cities, you are constantly in close proximity with others, so strangers will mutually ignore each other to respect personal space.’

They might be on to something as loneliness is widespread in regional and rural areas where there can be too much space to be by yourself. And it is a great concern – lonely people are 30 per cent more likely to die prematurely, according to Public Health England.

A few years ago, social isolation was declared an epidemic in the United States, but the trend is not local to the country. It has also been observed in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not help ease things, either. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 54 per cent reported feeling more lonely since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there are initiatives in Australia that people can turn to for connection, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association and Local Area Coordination programs that have been replicated in New Zealand and the UK. The internet is a great resource, too (and so is our community here at SDC).

Others speculated that it will depend on age. One said: ‘It usually depends on the age of the recipient. I find older people are more open to being greeted. I live in a suburb with a lot of older people, so usually I will greet someone if I'm walking by. I find younger people would rather stick to themselves, which is fair.’

Some Aussies shared that they are also more likely to say hello to older people: ‘I like greeting older folks. They’re warm and always have something pleasant to say. Even if it’s a matter of exchanging pleasantries, it makes everything feel a little better.’

The University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and University of Vienna previously found that seniors around the globe are more likely to be kind and generous. Older adults donate more and have stronger prosocial behaviours compared to younger generations. Being nicer in old age is backed up by science as well – on average, seniors have increased levels of oxytocin, which is associated with life satisfaction and prosocial behaviour. So yes, older adults might have better reception of random greetings from people they do not know personally.

Meanwhile, others would rather keep to themselves. One said: ‘I understand why people do it, and I understand why it makes other people happy to receive the greeting. But personally, I hate it and I find the whole interaction extremely uncomfortable. I have to be social as part of my job and I hate that feeling of an obligation creeping into my non-work time. Of course, I smile and say hello and smile back, but I actually get a sinking feeling in my gut every time.’

A Redditor agreed with the sentiment: ‘Yep, can't I just enjoy my exercise in peace? I didn't leave the house to talk to random people.’ They said that they always reciprocate greetings, though.

Another wrote: ‘I’m going to get downvoted for saying this, but I prefer to be left alone. I’m happy to smile back and say good morning if it's an older couple. But if it’s a guy on his own, I get quite anxious because, in the past, smiling or saying good morning back meant I’d be harassed. So I normally prefer to walk down the road without making eye contact.’

Not everyone is comfortable in social situations. In Australia, it is estimated that around three per cent experience social anxiety while 13 per cent develop a form of social phobia in their lifetime. Not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, of course. Some just lean closer to introversion on the introversion-extraversion continuum and are more likely to socialise with people they already know. (But are introverts and extroverts dated concepts?)

Meanwhile, everyone also has the right to feel safe in public places, but others have experienced quite the opposite. L'Oreal and Ipsos found in their research that 78% of Australian women have experienced street harassment. The number is even higher for those who are from minority backgrounds at 90%.

Are you friendly to other people in public spaces, or are you the type to keep your distance? Let us know in the comments below!

Have always said good morning or arvo, some people I have noticed look away, which I think is sad.

 

[Genhillier24]

You poor thing! Fancy having such a horrible, unfriendly neighbour. I get on really well with the
neighbours nearby. We watch each other’s houses & collect parcels as well as sharing each others
heartbreaks. Don’t give up, especially with us oldies.

I have some lovely neighbours and cannot imagine how soul destroying you must have felt to be abused in that way. BUT, angel, don't let it stop you, just don't do it when that neighbour is around. There's some lonely people out there that would w3elcome that smile.

 

[maggiej]

After living in a country town some years ago I always acknowledged other drivers with a friendly wave to which most replied. In the city now my husband goes for a walk in the suburb and speaks to anyone and gets a good response. I am more reserved and just smile at passers by unless they speak first

 

[Possum Lover]

We have found that on holidays in small country towns that people do smile and say Hello and/or respond to our greetings but when we come back to the big smoke that we are more likely to receive the frightened rabbit stare in response, but I can only keep trying.