Off-topic to the OP, but I had to smile at that one. Several years back, I was in NYC I noticed the "I'm not going to look at you long" attitude of the residents. One afternoon on my way to eat, I decided to make a game of things, and made it a point to look people right in the eye and say "Hi", "How you doin" and even an occasional "Howdy" to see if they responded. For a long time, no one greeted me back, and most would quickly look away.Maxwell wrote:The Texans and most of the Southerners here are friendlier than many. The rest of the imports I'm not too sure they understand the Texas Friendly manner...WildBill wrote:One on the things I like about Texas is that the people are more friendly that in many parts of the country.
That said, one of the things I love to do when I'm up north on travel (especially on the rare occasion I have to go to NYC) is when someone glances at me on the street I look square in the eyes and say "Howdy!" It throws them for such a loop all they can say is "hi" and turn away.
Then a couple passed me, and when I did it to them, the lady said "Hi" back to me. I took a couple of steps, then turned around and told them "Look, I just gotta tell you. I've been saying Hi to people for 15 minutes now, and you're the first one to say Hi back. I'm from Texas and doing some computer work for the NYPD, but have to know, is that REALLY a New York thing".
She smiled and said "It really is, but I'm exempt - I'm from Lubbock". What are the chances?? :)
We talked a bit, and her husband (who was from NYC) said it's a cultural thing because of a dense population. He said as crowded as they are, and as intrusive as people are of the "3 foot rule" (out of necessity), it just becomes tedious to try to greet everyone, and extended eye-contact is almost considered a challenge.