Guys, do you smile at strangers? (surprise, attract, people, NYC)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Not at all, nor do I make eye contact with them. I'm not remotely interested in 'brightening up' some stranger's day with a smile, nor am I interested in flirting with the random woman I know nothing whatsoever about.
If she's attractive, yes
If we cross paths doing something 'unusual' like hiking, yes
If it's a mixed bag of adults/kids/dogs, yes
If we are just two random people in the big dirty city, no.
If it's late at night, no.
If the smile can in any way be interpreted as creepy/dangerous, like smiling at a person coming out of the bank, no.
I was walking in my neighborhood, and walking on the same sidewalk as me but opposite direction was this guy who goes to my school. I didn't recognize him at first and I'm not sure he recognized me either as I had a hat and sunglasses on. But when I walked passed him and looked at him, he was already smiling. He had the biggest grin on his face like he knew it was me walking towards me. I didn't say hi because I didn't know that was him and even though he was smiling, his eyes looked straight ahead and not at me.
Perhaps he was just being courteous and he smiles like that to all strangers? It was the first time I had seen him in my neighborhood.
To answer your question, I smile at strangers all the time. Mostly because I spend my days turning tricks for drug money.
This guy might've just been in a good mood, or thought of something funny, and didn't pay you any attention. Do you wish he had?
I always smile or at least give a pleasant nod to strangers. Whenever I go on my morning runs, when I pass someone going the opposite direction, I always give an acknowledging smile, hello, or wave of the hands. Its just me and I feel like I am just being polite.
My wife NEVER gives a smile because to her, she feels like smiles should be reserved for someone she knows. She may at the most give a "hello" and thats it. Says it feels fake or disingenuine to smile at someone you dont know.
I always smile at people when passing, too..always have. Now if I can see a person is detached, I would not be trying to engage them, but that is not usual. It is typical for there to be that point of mutual eye-contact and one may first say something or both at the same time.
I recall having discussions regarding neighbors, those in public who chat and Introversion / Extroversion, which was really eye-opening as to why some may otherwise ignore others.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
