I smile and say hi to practically everyone I pass while walking on the beach and many seem to be startled by my behaviour before they respond with a return greeting. Some I can not greet because many do not even look at me as I pass.
I am from Chicago originally. Saying hi to people as they walked by was considered normal there. Here in CA it seems to be the opposite. Maybe it is some kind of privacy thing? I definitely feel a fear component at times.
I find Russ’s statement to be true about eclectic neighborhoods.
Nost – I feel the same exact way about the dog thing. I can never pass a dog without greeting it. Cracks me up (makes me sad, actually) when a dog’s owner apologizes after their sweet doggie kisses me.
