Official "Seattle Freeze" Discussion Thread (Bellevue, Redmond: professionals, shoppers)

[VeronikaW]

Originally Posted by toughguy

Hypothetical scenario- I am walking to work, the streets are not packed since it is still relatively early in the morning, and someone is passing me by going in the opposite direction. Is it considered unfriendly if I don't greet this person, or even acknowledge that they exist?

Only if they greet you first.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by Historyafficianado

What I really do not like, though, is that, when I have to go to the bank, schedule a dentist appointment, take my car in for an oil change, have someone come repair my fence, or whatever it is, I feel like I get a passive resistance and run around from people for simple things that are indeed their job. It's as though their first reaction is to make you go away, even though you're their customer. I've tried to talk more slowly, not sound insistent, keep it brief, etc, but getting anyone to do anything here is like pulling teeth. That's why I mostly shop online, avoid going to restaurants (the service here, I think isn't good -- even though the food is), and prepare myself mentally for the passive aggressive responses whenever I need to get anything done.

Maybe it's because these service people are getting low wages for living here in Seattle (which is obviously very expensive) and they are not into their job because of it.

Also, are you guys getting this from everyone or just white people? The church I go to has all races, but mainy black folks...everyone there is VERY friendly and outgoing. I noticed that the first few times I went even and no one knew who I was, but I got alot of "good morning's, etc. At the all white church I went to as a kid, people weren't like that, that I can recall.

I worked at a black owned restaurant before as well and everyone there was also very friendly...giving hugs and what have you.

I'm thinking if the Freeze is due to the Scandinavian influence, this must not be a trait of all races from Seattle. Thoughts?

[toughguy]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

Maybe it's because these service people are getting low wages for living here in Seattle (which is obviously very expensive) and they are not into their job because of it.

Also, are you guys getting this from everyone or just white people? The church I go to has all races, but mainy black folks...everyone there is VERY friendly and outgoing. I noticed that the first few times I went even and no one knew who I was, but I got alot of "good morning's, etc. At the all white church I went to as a kid, people weren't like that, that I can recall.

I worked at a black owned restaurant before as well and everyone there was also very friendly...giving hugs and what have you.

I'm thinking if the Freeze is due to the Scandinavian influence, this must not be a trait of all races from Seattle. Thoughts?

The church I was forced to go to as a child was predominitely white, and the people there would hug you unprovoked, welcome or not. This is one of the many undesirable aspects of church which left an indelible imprint on my mind.

[seattlenextyear]

I'd rather have indifferent salespeople/waitresses/people encountered on the street/dentists than have this syrupy fake-nice that everyone here down South always forces on you. I prefer sincere smiles over empty ones.
But again, it's all about preferences.

[Ira500]

Worst of all worlds:
I had a syrupy fake nice dentist ,here in Seattle.

[HistoryAficionado]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

Maybe it's because these service people are getting low wages for living here in Seattle (which is obviously very expensive) and they are not into their job because of it.

That makes sense to a degree -- I would expect that people in lower paying service sector jobs would not be that into their work. However, I don't think RN's, lawyers, or even the plumber who drives down from Marysville (or wherever it's cheaper for him to live) and charges a decent chunk of change to fix the toilet are in these low paying job categories. It's odd in that it permeates beyond the lower earning people.

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

Also, are you guys getting this from everyone or just white people?

Mostly, yes, I'd say this "Freeze" characteristic is among the white community more (I'm white, btw, not trying to bash white people or start a negative racial discussion). Seems like it's also mostly people who either dress conservatively (not saying that's their politics, just how they dress) like the school librarian or a sunday school teacher, or in a big contrast, have wannabe hipster styles (no offense to librarians, sunday school teachers, or hipsters).

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

I'm thinking if the Freeze is due to the Scandinavian influence, this must not be a trait of all races from Seattle. Thoughts?

You may be onto something. This could also be why Minnesota has a similar reputation.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

Also, are you guys getting this from everyone or just white people? The church I go to has all races, but mainy black folks...everyone there is VERY friendly and outgoing. I noticed that the first few times I went even and no one knew who I was, but I got alot of "good morning's, etc. At the all white church I went to as a kid, people weren't like that, that I can recall.

I think you're onto something here....I also find black folks more outgoing...the ladies I talk to at the Y are open to conversations, sharing about their day etc...while the white folks, not so much so. I didn't really think about that until now. Interesting

[allforcats]

Originally Posted by toughguy

Hypothetical scenario- I am walking to work, the streets are not packed since it is still relatively early in the morning, and someone is passing me by going in the opposite direction. Is it considered unfriendly if I don't greet this person, or even acknowledge that they exist?

Such an interesting question! No, it's not considered unfriendly if you don't acknowledge a stranger you pass. Nor is it considered unusual. But I often find that when a stranger and I in such circumstances -- on the sidewalk, in a store, in a parking lot, in a restaurant, sitting in a park or on a bus -- happen to make eye contact, both of us tend to smile at each other. I'm originally from NYC where everyone learns in the cradle to distrust all strangers. But when I came here, the people of all ages and colors who smiled at me taught me that smiling to strangers is just fine here if I want to do it.

I think eye contact is the determining moment.

[VeronikaW]

Originally Posted by allforcats

Such an interesting question! No, it's not considered unfriendly if you don't acknowledge a stranger you pass. Nor is it considered unusual. But I often find that when a stranger and I in such circumstances -- on the sidewalk, in a store, in a parking lot, in a restaurant, sitting in a park or on a bus -- happen to make eye contact, both of us tend to smile at each other. I'm originally from NYC where everyone learns in the cradle to distrust all strangers. But when I came here, the people of all ages and colors who smiled at me taught me that smiling to strangers is just fine here if I want to do it.

I think eye contact is the determining moment.

I find the opposite is true, at least on the Eastside. If I make eye contact and smile at strangers, they avert their eyes quickly, or give me a dirty look.

I like doing this at Bellevue Square. I smile at everyone I make eye contact with. The only people that have ever smiled back, or even said hello, were janitorial staff.

I worked in Manhattan for a year in the 90s, and the people were friendlier there than here, in my experience. In fact, as a Californian going to New York, I was surprised at how friendly the people were, since New Yorkers usually get a bad rap as being rude.

V. =)

[seattlerain]

Originally Posted by VeronikaW

I find the opposite is true, at least on the Eastside. If I make eye contact and smile at strangers, they avert their eyes quickly, or give me a dirty look.

I like doing this at Bellevue Square. I smile at everyone I make eye contact with. The only people that have ever smiled back, or even said hello, were janitorial staff.

I worked in Manhattan for a year in the 90s, and the people were friendlier there than here, in my experience. In fact, as a Californian going to New York, I was surprised at how friendly the people were, since New Yorkers usually get a bad rap as being rude.

V. =)

That's very interesting. I wonder if it says anything about people in higher income brackets...?