My New Resolution: Saying Hello

Say Hello to My Little Friend by nevrlndtink1226

This is stupid. It comes naturally for most people, but when I run into an aquaintance by surprise, I pretend that I don't see them or I turn away. I don't run screaming from people, no, but I don't approach them, either.

This happens for a lot of dumb reasons. There's something about impromptu small talk that lands in my ear like fingernails on a chalk board. I'm afraid of the embarassment of not being able to remember their name and the embarassment of them not being able to remember mine.

The funny thing is that if I know in advance that I'm likely to run into them--say I'm going to church--then I'm prepared. I can pace with all the best small talkers.

I don't want to be this way. I don't want to keep pushing people away. I want to be a friendly guy.

Yesterday, I was walking in town and went past a person I had only met about three weeks ago. At first, I just kept walking, as if I didn't recognize him. Then I stopped, turned around, and greeted him.

I don't know why "Hi, how are you?" became so difficult to say. Like anything, I guess, it requires practice.