Okay, fellow runners: What’s up with the not-greeting-each-other thing? I see the same ten or twenty people in the exact same places along the trail by my house every single morning, and so naturally I say hello to them every single morning. And still some of them literally squirm with discomfort when I do. What’s the problem here?! My head is very simple on this count, and I’m thinking, “You’re a runner! Cool, so am I! Let’s be friends!” And what do you say to friends when you run into them? That’s right, kids. You say hello. So stop making the trail feel like a middle school hallway. Sheesh.
Since this is such a difficult concept to grasp, I thought I’d spell out the basics.
If we’re facing each other:
If I’m passing you from behind (sorry! it doesn’t mean you’re not doing great!):
If I’m being passed from behind:
(Note that you don’t even have to say anything when you’re running the same direction! Speaking is totally optional!)
You don’t even have to actually form words to greet another runner! You can literally just kind of exhale a hhhhi or grunt a mornnnninn if that’s all you can handle! Your intention will be understood!
One caveat for morning runners, however: You HAVE to brush your teeth before you leave the house. Your body odor is one thing (hey, we all stink when we sweat), but your breath is something else entirely. Especially if you are one of those exhale greeters I just mentioned.
If you realize you’ve forgotten to brush your teeth before you leave the house (and this applies in non-running situations, as well), be generous and keep at least six feet between you and everyone you speak to (more if you’ve been eating onions).
And don’t under any circumstances make creepy eye contact and not say hello. That is just weird.
Love it. Nice work.
Love the graphics :)
LOL. I loved this. I dont run in the same place every day, but there are certainly similar issues with treadmill users at the gym. Adorable graphics, btw :)
I’m not a runner, but I found this to be hilarious!!!
I just moved into a big city from a series of much smaller ones, and this is the first place I’ve had this happen–folks not saying “hello” or at least waving. That goes for folks passing me in the hallway at home, standing with me in the elevator, etc. It’s somewhat upsetting for a southern girl like myself who strikes up a conversation with pretty much anyone. Good for you for posting about it. Love the illustrations!
Nice graphics and I love your blog :)
Personally I don’t talk to strangers ever. In my part of the world polite means leaving others alone. However, if a stranger were to talk to me I would at least smile or nod.
And when walking down the street I say, either look away and avoid eye altogether or (if you have to stare at me as I walk past you) at least smile a bit or send a quick nod. Because staring at a stranger doesn’t count as leaving them alone. If you’re going to interact, interact politely!
Crystal
P.S. Good for you running every mornign. I have a hard time getting out of bed and dressed for work each morning.
Definitely a valid point, and I’ve certainly thought about that! Some people really do like their anonymity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Crystal!
Same! In my city, being polite means NOT engaging others in small talk – about the weather, how your morning is going etc, and for some people, that includes not saying good morning. I get it, but I still find it a bit rude.
My boss says he takes a different elevator in the morning so to avoid the awkward “good morning” elevator chat with fellow colleagues he doesn’t know so well. My new neighbour completely ignored my existence last night as I opened the door to take out the trash and she was coming home.
So rude but sometimes that’s just the way it is!
Love your blog, your graphics make me smile!!
Great use of images. What I really like about this post is that it can apply to passing honest-to-God human beings in any situation. What’s with the eye averting? Too weird.
And congrats on FP. Hang on for the ride.
Kathy
Cute graphics.
Haha, nice one. :D
Fantastic! I don’t run, but this can apply to so many other situations as well. Your illustrations are amazing.
Pretty Good article. i like it and appreciate it. well job dude. keep it up :)
This is nice! Would look great on a T-shirt too!
hehe made me smile ;)
Awesome!!!
Loved the creepy eye contact!!!
Great article! Thank you!
Oh my gosh! I cannot believe I just got Freshly Pressed!!! Thanks so much everybody for reading and commenting. It’s always fun to share what you love with other people, and I promise promise promise to try to check out all of your blogs in the next few days!
(Monday just got wayyyyy better!)
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! This is a great post! I loved it :)
I think this can be applied to walking, too. I like your illustrations…nice work!
Loved the pictures – they illustrated your (very valid) point well!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed
http://pjmgfashionn11.wordpress.com/
Love the graphics and the sentiment!
Thank you. This is too funny. Maybe others will now be able to squeak out a small token greeting to simply acknoweldege the existence of the passing person. Not that much to ask really.
HI! Very cute! Thanks for sharing. :)
Very nice blog. Bravo!
Hilarious. Creepy eye contact. Just weird.
Now that I think about this, I know I do it. Well isn’t that something. Enjoy blogging!
Love this article! It is awkward. Sometimes I don’t say hello to people who say hello to me because I’m not sure if they are talking to me or someone they know behind me. I’ve totally said “hi” to people who were talking to someone they knew or on the phone. I’m a winner.
Uhhh GIRL I totally know what you’re talking about! The worst is in the bathroom next to someone who’s talking on their bluetooth. Awwwwkwaaaarrrrddd. Thanks for commenting!
Love it!
This was great! Some people are so nice when running and others just make it awkward when you can’t tell if they’re purposely avoiding eye contact or just waiting to get closer to say ‘Hi.’ Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! I linked to it from my page :)
awesome !
Aww, the illustrations are so cute! I can definitely relate to this, though I solved the problem by leaving the house ridiculously early every morning.
keep up the fight to keep things friendly!
Hahaha as a runner too, I noticed the same thing that you did. Except the people in my area tend to want to run down runners…….the graphics made all the difference. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed it!
Hi! I really “hate” to say this – but (I) Love it.
mikedontlike: people who don’t say hi
Hi! I love the illustrations. I am new at running and I totally agree with what you wrote. I typically see the glazed over look when I jog.
Cheers,
Louise
¡Me encanta!
:D
Can we apply this to more than just runners? I would like it to also apply to people you work with. Say HELLO! Except that creepy guy with the bad breath and giving you the hairy eyeball stare.
Loved your post and the graphics. Congrats on the FP.
I think this could be applied to many life situations, not just running. Your cartoons are very cool. Job well done, you!
Haha! I laughed at the smelly breath part. I also love the graphics!
Very entertaining, interesting graphics!
cool post.. :-)
Very nice..and true.
Well done and very funny.
Great graphics.
i like this very much. Intimacy is one of the things people most want, and it’s one of the things people most avoid. It’s scary to many people, but it’s what we are made for: to love and be loved, to know and be known. I applaud you for heralding the connection revolution! bravo! : )
Funny!
My husband and I discuss this situation quite often. I think it comes down to how many people are out running – if there are a lot (ie we used to run in Central Park), then saying hello can be taxing, but where we live now (in the burbs) there are only a few to greet, so it seems appropriate. :)
So true and so cute!
Hahah such a funny post (:
Love it!! Funny and true!
Cute Comments llol
cute pictures. nice post
I really enjoyed this! I am also a runner and I’ve experienced similar situations; I never understood the awkward moment that you explained so well in this post!
Kate, I read this first thing when I woke up today and it made my day! You make such clever points and with such fun graphics! I loved it! Can’t wait to continue reading your blog :)
Awesome graphics! Loved them really :)
Here’s my blog too, if you wanna drop by.
http://akriti91.wordpress.com :)
SO true and funny. What is with people these days?!
This is so true! I’m far from a runner, but this annoyed me to no end when I was in college. I’d pass people and usually I’ll just smile at everyone I pass, not even necessarily a “hello”. But some people will look at you and avert their eyes, when it would be that easy to just smile back, in my opinion. And I’m not a person who just strikes up conversation with random people, either. There is also the issue of how close you should be before you smile or say “hello,” because then it’s awkward when they’re still coming toward you and you have already greeted them….haha. Congrats on Freshly Pressed!! :)
love this
totally loved this. it’s so true!
As i ran down towards my school it’s as if i pass by the same elder folks around the neighborhood, and they’re always so sweet to bid me a good morning or a good run. So i began to feel like part of the community and began to do the same. but one day as i ran in my same general direction i was running in the opposite direction as an old man, so i began my ever-so-sweet smile and said, “mornin!” and he gave me the funkiest look and yelled, “what do you think you’re doing?!”…..
i still have no idea what to make of that….
Ha! That is hilarious! I have no idea what that means, either.
K-k-k-katie!!! congrats on the Freshly Pressed! what a neat and eye-opening blog post. i’m not a runner, but sometimes a walker and lots of times a sitter. as for walking – when you see someone with earbud wires hanging off the sides of their heads, chances are you won’t get a “hi” but might get a nod. as a sitter – a neighbor walked by me as i sat with the doggie on the front porch steps. we said “good morning” and the dog hopped around and barked. a few minutes later she passed by again and nods were exchanged with a tug on the leash and a bark from Bill. the next time she ran by she was very focused – i just watched her and bill barked once from a sitting position.
just wanted to share my recent story with a runner and connecting while exercising and sitting. with bill.
love you, kiddo! keep up the great work!
Haha, adorable graphics!
I completely agree with you on this as well – it’s not hard to at least smile and nod! Really, this could be applicable to more than just runners. It could totally include the people you pass in the hallways everyday, the people you stand behind in line at Starbucks every morning, or the people who live in the same apartment complex as you.
Creepy eye contact is *always* weird.
Lol, runner etiquette.
Love the graphics, great post!
Great graphics!
This is really cute. Thanks for sharing it. Connie
http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/
I often pass people when I’m running and say hi, and it’s like I tried to take something. What’s up with that??
Beautifully written.
Nice post. Great, crisp images. Saying hello is the first step is building wonderful communities and neighbourhoods – running or not.
haha love it!
i totally agree!!! although generally runners are friendly as we pass. For me eprsonally there are the business men who give uncomfortable twitchy look if you greet them.
I love your pictures as well!!! great blog!
I loved this and can totally relate!! :)
I began running through my old neighborhood a few years ago and I loved the fact that all the elder folk I ran past always bid me a good morning or a fair run. So with the new feeling of belonging to the community I began to wave, smile, and even conversate. But one evening as I was running an older man was walking the opposite direction. I got my smile on, did the nod-and-wave combo, and he just looked at me with the most hysterical look on his face and yelled, “What do you think you’re doing!?”…..
I have yet to figure out what to do with that…..
thats hilarious! I once had finished my run adn was walking past a business man on his way to work. i smiled and greeted him but he jsut looked down his nose at me and twitched. I wanted to grab him and yell, “HELLO!!! I JUST SAID HELLO!!!! Be polite!!!!!”…
…but i restrained myslef!! :)
Haha great posts and right on point!
Hahahahahahaha! (Just sayin’) Hahahahahaha! This was amazing. Great job.
Bwahaha! I love the graphics, especially the ones for bad breath! I’m a runner too and this is for real. LOL I do my best to greet other runners but sometimes it’s nice to just stay in the zone. (If you know what I mean)
http://kgspongelife.wordpress.com/
I love your post! I think the same thing goes for everyday life. The other day I was leaving the grocery store and I had so many bags in my arms, including a giant bag of charcoal that I could barely see over them. A woman was walking in the out door and practically pushed me out of the way. What happened to good old manners? No more hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me. There are so many of us in this world, why not be courteous? I know when I pass someone on the street and they say hi it makes my day a little bit brighter.
Oooh. I almost wrote the exact opposite piece! Why does everyone think they’re entitled to socialize while working out? I’m out running. I want my space while I do something that involves my body to such an intense degree.
I will occasionally stay in and do yoga because I get all clammy and frustrated at the idea of having to respond to twenty greetings from people I do not (and do not care to) know while running. I work in customer service. My life is greeting people. Why would I want to do it while taking care of myself?
Tip for other personal runners who aren’t trying to prove a point to everyone they see by saying ‘HI!HI!LOOKATMERUNNINGI’MABIGBOY!’: 1) Headphones – even if not listening to anything, the sight of them instills (or should) a sense of privacy; 2) Look at the ground or intently at the scenery and pretend you didn’t see them.
Like I said earlier to Crystal, this is a totally valid point. I guess I don’t really think of it as an “entitlement to socialize while working out” so much as a common courtesy to extend to others. I don’t like pretending other people don’t exist. People matter. But if we ever meet on a trail somewhere someday, I promise I won’t chase you down or key your car or anything certifiable like that if you ignore me when I wave hello :)
Have a good one!
I’m the same way! It isn’t so much that I don’t want to socialize, but that I get into a mental state that’s almost meditative, and saying hi tends to bring me back to reality.
I totally feel that, and I am totally the same way sometimes. And I totally say “totally” wayyy more often than I should, ha.
this is a great post!!
grace
I really like this post. I have to do all these things on my way to class every morning.
Nice!!! Well…Hello!!!!!! :-)
Great post! and graphics!
LOVE this post!
I work in an office that has a hallway that runs through hundreds of cubicles. This hallway is about 5 feet wide so when you walk past someone you get pretty close. It amazes me how many people will either find something fascinating on the ground or in the opposite direction as they walk past. Is it really that difficult or cause you that much pain to be cordial?
So cool! Just as I also experience it!
Nice cartoons btw…
That is hilarious. Thank you.
haha, hilarious! i love the zoom-in on eyes pics! :)
Haha good job…I love your illustrations….made me laugh:)
Very funny! Great job!!
Bravo!
How about an “Excuse me.” “No problem” guide for when someone barges past you while shopping?
Haha! If you write about that, let me know!
Very funny! This happens when I run too, I smile at other runners and get completely ignored. The only people who say hello to me are the people walking in the park and they’re just seem to pity me for panting! Haha.
Thats nice! :)
eye contact without greeting actually gets creep! o.O
http://dazzlingaway.wordpress.com/
What about greeting without eye contact?
Thank-you! I pass by the same people all the time, and for some reason even a friendly smile seems to be a struggle.
HAHAHA!!! Brilliant! And very true! You can also just smile at someone, if you don’t have the energy to say hello. :)
Great job spelling out passerbys etiquette. Funny! :o)
Greetings from India :)
Nice work :)
Love it, the graphics are great and the last scenario with the staring made me laugh out loud :)
Lol I know that’s right and so true !!
I feel like I can finally say hello to people again! ;)
Creepy eye contact… hilarious!
Wow, well you have an insane amount of comments on here but I thought I’d add to them! This post is awesome, as is your blog, and you are now bookmarked for future reading :)
Haha! Nice. I wrote a similar blog here, except it wasn’t just for runners. http://abitofeverythingnow.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/wheres-the-thank-you/ I think it’s just reasonable for you to say hi or any other type of greeting when you see or pass by anyone else. Congrats on being freshly pressed.
Also, I’m having a gift card giveaway: https://abitofeverythingnow.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/how-to-make-25-without-going-to-work/
LOL I love this. You are so right about the creepy stare >_< I really like your images too! What did you use to make them? :D
Aw, thanks! I used Illustrator for everything. It’s my fave.
Can you do a guide for ‘waiting your turn’? You know, to get on the subway, an elevator, through a door? The policy of out before in, and first come first serve seems to be lost on today’s society!!
Haha, that’s a point worth considering! I’ll see if I can’t squeeze that into the lineup at some point. Thanks for the suggestion and for commenting!
I liked this a lot.
Very simple and entertaining. It also got the point across. Well done.
I love this! I tend to be the wave high person though instead of saying anything.
This is so funny because I think about it all the time. I’m a bicyclist and I’m often passing others on bikes, or running, or walking, and they won’t even make eye contact. I always think, “On Little House on the Prairie, we would have been grateful to see each other, had a chat about the family, and probably invited each other over for vittles.” Nowadays, it’s as if I’m invisible!
If I ever meet you on a path somewhere, I’ll hopefully be wearing my prairie get-up and have vittles a-cookin’ at home :) Thanks for commenting!
[...] I came across this post about runners and their morning habits. Fantastic! If you are a runner yourself, you will certainly enjoy it even more… The whole [...]
Thanks for linking to me! I’m honored :)
Cute story.
Very entertaining.
Haha, great job!
HAHA! I say ‘hi’ to everyone. And then I get funny looks. Maybe it’s because I forget my running shorts sometimes.
(Insert horse-laugh here!)
I laughed all the way through!!!
Nice, and I love the illustrations. I’ve always found greeting people in these situations really awkward… because you think they’re not going to say anything, and then they say something RIGHT as they pass you, and in order to respond you not only have to a) get your brain going enough to spit something out but also b) pretty much turn around to say something back to them because by then you’ve passed each other by. I eventually learned to avoid this situation by going on the offensive though, and always being the one to say hello first… and from just enough distance that the other person has enough time to respond. :D
I completely agree with you, for me I find that this happens on the subway, which I totally agree is not the ideal place to start a conversation but it should be ok to say “hello” to the person next to you. Especially when you see the same people everyday. For those going to work in the morning it’s more common than not to run into the same people, I just don’t understand why a polite “hello” is so taboo.
The other place this should be happening is the coffee spot, Dunkin Dounuts and Starbucks. Again, you tend to see the same people on line everyday if this is you morning routine and yet when you are feeling extra friendly and say something to the people in line with you, you still get the cold shoulder. I don’t get it, but I have to believe that maybe they walked away with a brighter attitude!
Haha, nice work.. :)
Very unique post and great conversation starter. I understand both sides in the comments above. Having lived long enough to have seen many community changes, I think I would err on the side of graciously nodding or saying hello — at the very least acknowledging to the other person that I recognize him or her with a smile. It isn’t so much the individual, isolated situation happening on the trail that erodes us as a society, as much as it is the collective character that makes us so cold and disjointed with each other in our culture. Little slights and indifferences add up and when it comes time to really care, it takes a lot more effort than if it had been something we practiced in the early morning on a running trail.
Nice!
lol — Love this! ..especially since your graphics are about as close as I’ll ever get to this. Running, most often is a no… but in the morning!? Oh, most certainly not. But hey, kudos to you!
Well said! Thank you! I live in the same neighborhood for 19 years. There are still a few people I see walking all the time that I always say hello to when we pass and they just keep walking! I don’t get it? We LIVE in the same neighborhood!
I love the graphics although I don’t agree that it should be requirement that people speak to everyone they see on the trail. When I’m running, I’m in the zone and don’t want to be burdened with greeting every person I come across. There have also been times when I’ve gone walking/running because I was angry or sad and wanted to blow off some steam or release emotions. I’m not thinking about being cordial at those times.
However, if someone speaks to me I don’t ignore them and am glad to return the greeting. But I think it’s a stretch to place an invisible rule that everyone has to speak or greet others. I personally don’t want to focus on issuing 20+ hellos while I’m running. Plus, what happens if you keep saying hello to the same person because you’ve lost count? That can be annoying.
It’s great you’re a naturally cheerful person, continue taking a cheery smile and greeting to the trails. Just accept that not everyone holds the same viewpoint.
Disclaimer: This was not written with any ill-intent or malice.
Thanks for sharing. As I’ve written in response to some people who’ve shared your view today, this whole thing is really just a joking observation that probably reflects more about my own insecurities than anything else! I do think, however, that we as a culture often tend to ignore people out of fear and self-doubt rather than just as a means to guard our right to anonymity, that’s all :)
I appreciate that you took the time to read and comment! Hope your next run is a good one!
Great post! Congrats on being FP!! :)
LOL!! Awesome job. I think this applies to everyone!
Cute.
Hilarious! The pictures really helped my understanding.
Fantastic graphics! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! What program did you use to design these?
Thanks so much! I use Illustrator for everything.
Hey, this is great – I see the same people out running a lot and manage a weak smile (not because I normally have a weak smile, but because I’m puffed). The other thing that’s great running etiquette is when people have earphones in and shout “MORNING” you have to reply at the same volume, which, when puffed, comes out as “MAARGNUG”. Well done with the Freshly Pressed :-)
Totally true! I enjoy saying hello to people, even if I’m never going to see them again. But sometimes I don’t get a response, and I feel like an idiot. A smile and simple hello goes a longgg way..and I think our society sure could use a few of those. Good topic to touch on!
I loved the “staring” photos at the end, made me giggle out loud. Now my other half wants to know what is so funny, not that he would get it he’s not a runner or exerciser and when he stands in line for his morning coffee everyone is in their pre-caffeine funk so there is not much talking there. Mostly just pushing and shoving like the barista is the entrance to Willy Wonka’s factory… seriously I think I will post about that this week because I don’t get it! I mean I love my coffee too, but if it is a crappy line I move along or wait my turn :D
Congrats on getting freshly pressed that is fabulous news! I will try and post something fabulous incase you come to visit me :D
totally got the point and feel the same way to those i came to run with almost everyday, i enjoyed most are the illustrations!..nice one!
May I show this post to my Intro to Communications course? I just covered a chapter on non-verbal communication and your graphics and commentary make for out of the box lecture material :)
As long as you don’t claim it as your own work, I don’t see why that would be a problem! I’m really flattered!
Hahaha…. funny stuff! I recently started walking on public trails, and I feel a little torn on the greeting thing. It’s kind of the obligation of it that gets me, I think. If someone and I are walking toward each other, I begin to look down until we reach a certain proximity (eye contact for long periods of time can be awkward). Then, I have the feeling of “needing” to nod at or greet them for 15-30 seconds. It can be a lot of work. Please know I say all of this halfheartedly, though. I was raised to be polite, and have been amazed at the walkers/runners/bikers who have said something to me even when I’ve been sitting and reading. Be polite: it’s the decent thing to do! :)
Haha! Funny article and very true. I notice this every morning on the way to school – many mums just stare in horror if you dare to say good morning. Others look at you with disdain as if to say ‘Why do you even bother?’ What’s the problem here? Do they think I want something more other than a simple acknowledgment of our shared existence in this world and our busy lives. It’s pretty amazing that we are all together on this planet at the same time, even more so that we happen to be passing each other at the point in time!!!
I know, right? It’s like people think you’re hitting on them or something. As if I’d be trying to mack on some guy while I’m sweating like a polar bear in the desert. Oh, egos :)
like it… good graphices
Oh my gosh! Thank you! I’ve written about this on my Tumblr before and it’s so nice to hear that I’m not the only runner who struggles with this. Just out of friendliness I say hi to or at least smile at other runners (or walkers) who pass me by, and I’d say only 30% say hi or wave back. It’s so frustrating!
I usually only say ‘hi’ and smile :)
nice pictures you have. congrats for being freshly pressed ;)
Great presentation of how people should communicate!!!
Really interesting article, thank you.
You mean I can simply say hi to people even if I don’t know them? Is it really that simple? I don’t know…. maybe I should try this at home first. What do you think? ;-)
(You should visit http://www.letusbefrank.wordpress.com) similar topics.
Ha!
This is so true! I always have the strongest urge to high-five runners I pass, but maybe that would be way too weird, especially if saying hello is too much for some people to handle.
Great post! It made me chuckle. So true about people!
Great blog! Made me smile. :)
what a funny blog,i wlill try it.
Hahaha, so true. I love it when people pretend not to see you and just look down.
Kate, wonderful! You are so creative, and this post is very much deserving of FP! Thanks for making me laugh -
oho so lovely i like this i wish this blog rock for these great stories myp2p.eu
LOVE IT! I don’t run unless I am being chased. What’s the proper etiquette for that? Would LOVE to see those graphics with creepy face!
I think nodding should be acceptable in all cases. Runners should probably focus on breathing and not speak.
Enjoyed your graphics. =)
This is really wonderful!!!
I’m not much of a runner, but my boyfriend is and he often expresses his frustration with rude people who can’t just say hi. I can relate, not as a runner, but as a dog person. When I’m walking my dogs and I see other people walking their dog(s), I assume that it’s only polite to nod and say hello, if nothing more than that. I was walking my beagle the other day and said hi to a woman walking her chihuahua, who just stared at me and hurried off. Weird!
nice blog! I like it a lot! Keep up the good work! :)
I live in a place where everyone seems to say hello or smile to one another. Even complete strangers! It’s a tourist area, so perhaps everyone is relaxed and happy to be on holiday.
I smile a lot to passers by as I am walking down to the beach. It’s my silent way of saying hello. :)
I’m not a runner, I’m a walker.
But I find that things are the same! People don’t say hello… probably because I wear my headphones but I usually give a smile or a nod if I see someone. this was so funny and totally true!
I love it! Totally agree!!
I’m wondering if some of the “non responding” runners are not running for the same reasons you are. Maybe they’re running away from someone or some thing and by saying “hello” – they are thinking – “oh shit” someone knows I’m running away! I’ll never get away now – because someone saw me and might follow up!
Maybe not though. Anyway – I was attracted to the big pictures on your blog and enjoyed it.
http://www.islandheights.wordpress.com
LOVE the pictures, LOVE the concepts. It’s so sad that people don’t say hi anymore. It’s getting to the point where sometimes people think you’re a freak for being polite.
Heart touching message with excellent graphics. Agree with “Adora” => “freak for being polite” aaaaahaaaaaa
Very good, easy to learn, very nice picture.
What did you use to design the people? THey were hilarious. If i were passing you by i would definitely give you a mrng.
Oh, what a great post! Congrats on being FP. I was surprised when I moved out of Key West (a place where everybody says Hi) and nobody said it. So I started to say Hi to everybody anyway and it’s finally catching on :)
Great post! :) I’m in the same situation – I run into the same people everyday but no one (except for one) says hello! I’ll keep saying hi and hope people start returning the favor! Happy running, everyone!
[...] and instead of shutting off my mind and getting lost in my Half-Marathon playlist, I decided to nod and smile at everyone that maintained eye contact with me for more than three seconds. Halfway through the [...]
funy and cute. hello there from me to you. :)
I’m a runner and I’ve tried sending across an innocent “hello” but even before I start, I get a menacing glance from the other person, as if thinking “I dare you, punk! Just try and say “Hello”!! “. So, I think I’ll keep to myself and my earphones for the time being. :|
funny and cutie nice grafic
Yay!!!!…love it..Fantastic
I’ve found that even a polite hand gesture works if you don’t want to talk. Even if it’s a limp-wristed “oh my god I can barely move more than this just to keep my momentum going forward” wave, it’s better than not acknowledging people.
Love the graphics. This applies to walkers as well, everybody!
Thanks for the teeth brushing reminder too.
Ha! I am one of those people that don’t say Hi to other runners. ^_^ Sometimes it is just that I would like to be “just” within myself when running. To me it is my meditation. Getting loose and relax and feeling one with myself when running. I apologize to others when I don’t say hi or nod or smile back at the very least. I like to be alone sometimes.
But when you see me smiling when running – i would definitely smile back to everyone i meet. For those that mentioned that they meet a lot of people when running it a park and becomes taxing. I would say smiling back is response enough.
To the person that said Giving High Fives to runners. I would guess that some runners would really dodge or move away from you but don’t hesitate to give high fives. Some runners even love giving High Fives. I love giving it Giving high fives. High Five to you. ^_^
Great Post! ^_^
Love the graphics!
pretty cool! :)
Spot on. This is a great post. You should circulate it and put up print outs every where.
Congratulations on being freshly pressed.
Hilarious post and your pictures are so cute :) Congrats on the FP– you deserve it! I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
So true! The only thing worse than rude runners on a running trail is a rude cyclist on a running trail :-)
…And hilarity ensued. Great post, especially the onion breath!
Amazing post, I love it!
:)
uponatlas.
Hi, loved the post. What do you compose your graphics in?
You did a great job of the illustrations. I have found when I used to walk the dog early in the morning that the earlier in the morning it is the more likely you are to get a response. People seem to get more ignorant as the day wears on.
LOL
great illustrations
Very real… my 3 adult children treat me EXACTLY like this…not a smidgen of feigned recognition as a human (or the woman that gave birth). I’m told it takes practice and training. ..LOL
Hilarious!!
Trying not to burst into laughter… why do I insist on reading such comedic art in public libraries?
Oh yeah… free internet ^^
Love it.
LOLOLOLOL
I know what you mean I’m sat in the office LOL
and I to will add a comment. Graphics were fun stuff and just what I needed. Luckily I live in Hawaii and Aloha is part of the culture. Visitors to the islands appear frightened of exposing themselves to other humans. The Dali Lama has spoken of this often. Spread the Aloha as you have so humorously done. Mahalo, Dohn
love it!
Interested graphics! :)
*interesting
Haha! I used to run and totally understand this… but even from just a “walking to work everyday” point of view it applies too. I see the same people on my way to work, and some are very happy to ive me a nice “good morning!”. Others, even though I smile and give the “nod”, will look at me as if I just flashed them. I think it probably is a society thing. I used to do some research out in Indonesia, and people there are incredibly friendly. Strangers would come up to me and ask me where I was from, where I was going, why was I in Indonesia… and everyone wanted to help. They had this mentality that if they were there, and they weren’t doing anything else, why WOULDN’T they help you? Anyway, the point of mentioning that is that one time, a man started one of those random conversations, and one of the girls I was travelling with looked uncomfortable. He asked why, and she said, “Where I’m from, strangers don’t come up and start talking to you.” He looked confused, and responded, “But then… how do you ever make friends?” I smiled so hard!
nice job..once i went for shopping with my husband…the shop was crowded with people.it was a vegetable shop so i started picking tomatoes..two ladies came near and pushed me forcely and stared to pick tomatoes..even they didn t say sorry..it was really awful..and they totally spoiled my shopping mood..:-(
Cool… loved it :)
In running club, we’d all have “face” that we used when we greeted other runners. Then we’d see what reaction we got. It didn’t have to be a funny face, just choosing between the nod or the little hand wave, or jutting the chin out (as in “wassup?”). Some smiled, some grimaced, we had fun with it. This was in Madison, Wisconsin, where people are friendly, so almost always we got reactions (and almost always positive).
Running in Virginia – about 10% response; in Seattle – about 50% response, depending on the route. It’s so interesting to see how culture factors into it. Now I’m in Sicily and the culture is that you don’t really smile or greet strangers in the street. If you do, they think they must have met you somewhere before. Most of my running has been on base or on the treadmill so far. We move in a week and I’ll start exploring my neighborhood then.
…runs by at the end of this track… Hi! [breathing...] catch ya later. Congrats! on making front page race.
this is so true! im a person who likes to smile but it really bugs the hell out of me when the reaction i get is like i owe them money or something..i mean like, smile back is not gonna cost you anything….
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Haha funny ;)
Definitely awesome!
It made me LOL, it also made me realize I should stand 6 ft. away from people…
:p
Good Job!
Brilliant! This made me giggle.. this also applies to everyday situations.. just say hi!!!
Awesome. Nice Graphics. True facts
hahaha awesome!
I like it :D
I totally agree! When I’m about to pass someone in the park, that person, instead of politely answering my smile, will turn their head away as if greeting someone were A-Thing-Not-Allowed!
…sweet! :-)
AMEN SISTER! This applies to runners, bikers, walkers, skaters, etc…. Thank you for this post on etiquette. I love trail/biking/running etiquette. Uhm, for that matter this could apply to just about everywhere. I enjoyed this greatly!
Great!
i know exactly what you mean! nothing makes a run by a smile and a nod.
lol i like this
This made me laugh :) Nice blog!
Hilarious!
This was great! Love it.
Nice Post. It’s probably an awakening to those who find it difficult to say so. In public places like trains an for example my country, where we share public commuter taxis. Thank you
Great illustrations. Not sure where you live- but it may be the case of “do not make any eye contact with any unknown creature” you get in very big cities…. ;o)
ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
The bad breathe illustartion had me in stitches….I’m supposed to be working LOL
This is absolutely hilarious, thank you for this post!
Love the illustrations!
Hello :-)
great art…..true art always do speak
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This is GREAT!!!! I was JUST thinking this the other day as I was running. I came to a self- rationalization that there are generation separations to this. (note: this is just my experience) The Baby Boomers are mostly always friendly, and not afraid to flash a smile. Those who hail from Generation X tend to be a mixed breed, some friendly BUT … those who are tend to do the casual closed mouth smile /head nod followed by quickly looking down again. Then If the individuals you pass, were born in the 90′s they seem to never even look in your direction as you sweep by. This makes me wonder, are we allowing our culture to become less and less friendly? Is this an issue of being comfortable in social situations, which at times comes with age; or are we now swinging closer to an individualist society?
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Love it! Totally what happens with WALKERS on my street. So weird! :) Thanks for the post!
Thank you so much for that post <3 Coming back from living 5 years in Japan, where kids are trained from infancy to greet people (there's a saying that translates to "Greetings are heart-to-heart communication") it's been hard living in America where you're lucky to even get eye-contact from the person checking you out at the grocery store! Japan taught me that greeting people helps to create a friendly atmosphere, relationships, and an awareness of the people around you. Although we here in the West are more independent creatures, we still need to treat each other with respect. Nothing cheers me up more than when someone responds to me saying hello with a big smile back!
nice for first step to create new relationship…..
I love this post! It’s so true.
I always say a friendly “hi” or “good morning” (or “good afternoon” depending on the time of day) when I’m out walking and pass other walkers/runners. I often get a response but sometimes not, for example, a while back I was out hiking when I passed a family who were also hiking, and I nodded to them and said hi, but they actually SPEEDED UP to avoid me!
I mean, come on, being friendly doesn’t cost anything!
I don’t say hello when I run. It’s not rude, but if it is, I think it’s probably just as rude to expect that I do say hello.
“I think it’s probably just as rude to expect that I do say hello”
Really? If they don’t say hello to you, and you don’t want to say hello to them, that’s fine, but I think that if someone says a friendly hello to you when you’re out running, it kind of goes against social norms if one doesn’t reply to them. Just my opinion though.
Wow, wicked post, and cool cartoons too. I’m a runner (only for a chunk of months now. Too many restless afternoon with too much bad food). I definitely agree with you, it’s like London public transport. Tube = SHUT DOWN. But I’m plugged in when I run anyway, so can’t hear others’ polite words that don’t exist. I did get an encouraging “keep going, you can do it! You’re the best!” from a street-sweeper once though. Made my day, no jokes. So I think you’re right, encouragement and friendliness really makes a difference! I’m yet to come across morning onions though bleurgh
This is so true! I thoroughly enjoy your blog!
This is hilarious! Passing people is always really awkward, but especially when definitions of “comfortable interaction” aren’t mutually shared. I love the super creepy close ups at the end.
There’s a time and a place. I think a lot of people out jogging wouldn’t want the contact – because it’s their ‘focus’ time or ‘reflection’ time, unless you’re out running ‘with’ someone else – and I know I sure wouldn’t want anyone bumping into me while on a jog. But if you’re walking or on vacation, sure – say ‘hello’. I just think we’re all so ‘influxed’ with so many different forms of communication, that we’re all just so tired of having anybody near us. Soon jogging will be like road rage by the sound of things!?! :P
Very nice pictures, great idea!
I’m not a runner, but this really made my day!
Hello….. it’s very nice pictures.
Love the pictures! I feel like I’m in kindergarten again.
By the way, I found myself referencing your post while jogging with a friend this morning. : )
Way to go on getting FPed!
I love your blog! the illustrations are sooo funny!
I usually got with the “head nod” or “small wave” technique, but only if the other runner seems to also be on the verge of acknowledging my existence, too! :) Otherwise, I just assume this is not a runner who desires acknowledgement!
I usually go with the “head nod” or “small wave” technique, but only if the other runner seems to also be on the verge of acknowledging my existence, too! :) Otherwise, I just assume this is not a runner who desires acknowledgement!
Simply adorable graphics! Love ‘em!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! :)
I love this blog entry. The visuals were very a interesting aide to the written portion and simple enough that it doesn’t overwhelm you trying to process all of it. I also think it’s a subject that many people, especially runners, are able to relate to.
[...] Okay, fellow runners: What’s up with the not-greeting-each-other thing? I see the same ten or twenty people in the exact same places along the trail by my house every single morning, and so naturally I say hello to them every single morning. And still some of them literally squirm with discomfort when I do. What’s the problem here?! My head is very simple on this count, and I’m thinking, “You’re a runner! Cool, so am I! Let’s be friends!” A … Read More [...]
It’s so sad people aren’t polite anymore. To anyone, and it’s getting worse as well. :(
I’m not a runner at all, but this just cracked me up! Thanks for sharing! -Abi
Love it, especially the creepy eye contact part. It made me giggle.
Very funny! So glad I clicked–thank you FP!
Why say hi to people? Let’s just avoid all of the formalities and move forward with our lives.
Great post! Very funny :)
Love this.
Especially the creepy eye contact part – I hate when that happens!!
Love your post. And I run but sometimes I meet more deer than people :-)
Funny, but true. It always astonishes me that people I see at the kebab shop, on the bus, in the supermarket almost daily (or at least a few times a week) don’t even react when I smile, wave or say hi to them.
hehe funny stuff!
[...] Sep WordPress’s Freshly Pressed page recently featured a funny, well-illustrated article on how to greet fellow runners when you’re out jogging. I thought it was a funny way to frame the subject of how to talk to strangers, something that so [...]
Always awkward when you bump into the same person every morning and you have to anticipate the eye contact to say ‘good morning’…
HaHaHa Too funny!
This is great! I’m constantly thinking of how to get my neighbors to return my greeting. Haha! Thanks, you made me laugh.
Blue Puddle reblogged this from Blue Puddle.
I think that people have an issue with greeting each other in general. not just when running. Sometimes you see people trying to be polite on the bus or something by saying hello and the other person will just ignore them or squirm in discomfort.
Also, I love the graphics :)
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I’m a big fan of not forming words during workouts. When I run a set of huge stairs in San José, I can rarely muster up an actual word as other people pass by. Sometimes I’ll hit em with a good “WHEWWW.” I’ll report back once I actually get one back haha.
(:
I know exactly how you feel, because I’ve been following you for weeks. No, seriously, I walk in the basement of my building complex in this hallway that’s 1/4 mile long, down and back, down and back. Lots of people walk that hallway at the same time. So everyone passes everyone about 8-10 times, coming and going and everything. The first time is fine, second time is okay, but all the other times are awwwwkwarrrrrrrrd! It probably doesn’t help that I dress like a pirate when I go walking. I only do it because I heard it helps tighten your booty.
Love the drawings. I don;t run but I so need to. I put on 30 kilos after giving up smoking. It’s never too late I guess.
This is so funny! I’ll admit that I’m one of those awkward not-say-hello people because I’m unsure of how the other person will react. It sounds silly as I type this, but I’m just a socially awkward person. And yes, I am guilty of doing the creepy eye contact thing without saying “hi.” *hangs head in shame* :)
This is unbelievably true – it became definitely normal and cool not to greet people. I say it’s the first sign you’re getting old – not going on with the crowd. Most of the time this situation happened to me in a crowded place where I (obviously) said “hallo” to no one, so I had to figure out how to deal with this awkward situation.
I copied this link to many friends of mine, people I know and who are too lazy to greet properly. Hopefully it will work! :D
Cheerio.
Definitely funny. I know what you mean, being a runner myself. My fave is the creepy eye-contact ;)
This post was so full of awesome, it deserves a standing ovation. Haha! It reminded me of the time when I had to go around wearing a flu mask because of some health issues. I’m used to smiling at strangers I met on the street, but I couldn’t very well do that with half of my face covered (especially when that half was vital to said activity). That experience taught me to really smile with my eyes and say “Hello!” or “Good morning!” to people.
Of course, some of them obviously thought that was weird, but meh. I say let’s keep greeting people!
Haha, loved it! Esp. the not brushing teeth bit – amazing how many ppl do that!
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