A WALK IN THE PARK: PART VIII

So I followed my own advice from yesterdays blog. I said hello to everyone who walked by me who didn't look as far away from me as possible. I termed those folks, "elevator rider walkers".

The responses from the rest of the people varied. There are "grunters", "head noders","thumbs uppers" and "groaners." There are also a minority who say, "Good Morning" or "Hello/Hi".

The winner was a tall African American man who said hello to me first. When I said, "Hi, How are you today?" he said, "Doing Great Thank you. How are you doing?" He must be from Georgia or California(if you don't get that you didn't read yesterdays blog).

The cool thing was that nomatter what the response I felt good trying to reach out and be friendly. I chose not to take nonresponses personally. There is definitely something to be said for trying to be a little friendlier in our standoffish community.

Try it and you might just like it and the responses you receive. Spread the work, "HELLO" and pass it on. Who knows what might come of it? We might start a whole new trend! F'in A right! (if you don't get that you didn't read Tuesdays blog). Get with the program people. HELLO!

Bye For Now,

Bill

www.williampenzerphd.com

954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1

check 3/17 blog to know our goals.

A WALK IN THE PARK: PART VII

Not all walks in the park are the same. Not all parks are the same. The one thing that is strange in my park here is that few people passing by the other way say hello, good morning or any other greeting. I told you yesterday what the basketballers were saying, but they weren't talking to me.

When I first starting walking there many years ago, I would say good morning or hello or something. I stopped when I noticed it made others feel uncomfortable. A small proportion responded, but many just walked on by. I started to feel as if I was viewed as a pervert for just saying good morning. Now I wait to see if the passer-by looks my way and says anything. If they do I respond. If not, I just walk on by. I guess that is how "pass on byers" are born.

This is a sad commentary on South Floridians. I don't know why we are so unfriendly,but this phenonmena is undeniable in a variety of settings.

It doesn't happen when I walk in the park in Georgia or California. Total strangers say, "Good Morning, Beautify Day, Have a Good Walk, Great Day to be Outside," etc. Sometimes, one person says all that.

We could take a lesson from their playbook. In fact, I will.I hope you have a great day. Try saying hello to a stranger and see if you can start a social virus of friendly interaction. I will do the same today and report back. Let me know what happens as well.

Bye For Now,

Bill

www.williampenzerphd.com

954 475 1371 x 1
561 361 1898 x 1

check 3/17 blog to know our goals