Who should acknowledge the other first? LOL

This is a lighthearted topic.

I was having a smoke while sitting on the back porch. A neighbor (a friend) that lives in the same apartment building came from the store and walked right by me without saying a word.

As he opened the door to enter, I said (remember, we're friends), "Well don't say hi, you antisocial M_______!"

He laughed and said, "Well, you didn't say hi to me."

"No, no, no," I said, "there's proper etiquette for situations like this. You were approaching, so YOU have to acknowledge me!"

He countered with, "No way, you're supposed to welcome me home!"

We both had a good laugh, but then I got to wondering if there really is a rule on something like this.

Opinions welcome.

In my neighborhood the usual answer is "The person with the cleanest shot and the greatest access to cover" - then again I live in a really bad neighborhood!

Actually I think it's whoever makes eye contact first... at least that's how I handle it. If I look up and realize that I engaged eye contact first - I speak first.

~Heff

reply to post by jiggerj


I believe that the first eye contact should be the first words.
But then again, I'll pass people I know without saying "Hi" occasionally.

It depends on my mood and if I even feel like having a conversation.
Sometimes I smile and just make it short.

But, most of the time, I assume the person making the approach should start talking.

I don't know if there's an "etiquette" about it...

Well, I've moved from the city to a rural area in the last few years and folk driving will wave at you whether you are also driving or on the front porch, and folk who are on the front porch wave at folk passing by in cars.

So around these here parts, it's whoever is quicker on the "hiya!"

Nah. That's male stuff that's been going on for millenia. We do that. Getting the better dig in? Damn right.

ETA: That probably wouldn't be T&C compliant though.

reply to post by jiggerj


If you are already there, and he is approaching, you should greet first.

At least that's how I feel somehow. Lol, cool subject.

All I can say about this question is that you wear your avatar very well. You must be channeling his spirit.

Does the guy next door look like Jack Lemon?

Originally posted by aboutface
All I can say about this question is that you wear your avatar very well. You must be channeling his spirit.

Does the guy next door look like Jack Lemon?

Ha! Actually he looks more like old George Burns.