Why do people say hello to one another on trail paths but not on a sidewalk?

reply to post by WaterBottle


Yup you replied to your own question. Fear, reassurance, being noticed and remembered and a quick assessment about the intentions and stance of others...

They have something in common. I ALWAYS smile and even talk with someone with dogs. It's a common interest that I know we have in common. So, on a trail, it's the same thing. We have hiking in common.

I live in a small town and we always smile and say hi, even on the sidewalk or in a car. I love it! If someone doesn't smile or say hi, we know they're either new here or from out-of-town.

reply to post by WaterBottle


Common likeness. Walking in the woods, you meet another dude walking in the woods, you say hi. On the sidewalk everyone walks on the sidewalk, so you're more inclined to say screw everyone and want to be left alone. Humans like to interact with Humans they identify with. Some are not as closed off, but in general it's our nature.

reply to post by WaterBottle


Where I live there are no sidewalks, also once someone got angry at me for not knowing her name.
The world's a strange place eh.