How To Speak To Strangers In Public
Start writing a post
Relationships

What Not To Do When Saying Hello To Someone

From the most awkward to the most casual greeting.

127
What Not To Do When Saying Hello To Someone

I know that everyone has difficulties saying hello people we see public, myself included. I figured I would compile a list of things for you do when you see someone in public and how you should correctly say hello to them, without being weird.

1. Don't ambush them or attack them/body slam them 

Giphy

I did this the other day to one of my friends when I saw him standing across the road. We had this brief moment when we just kind of ran at each other and body slammed each other and just walked away. I would not recommend doing this to someone unless you know them very well because otherwise they might punch you.

2. Don't yell at them from across a big room or a field

Giphy

I would not recommend doing this because it could be potentially embarrassing for your friend or whomever you are calling over. This could be bad to do to someone who doesn't like to have attention called to them. This could also cause the person to ignore you and not say hi back which would embarrass you.

3. Don't call them by a weird nickname in front of people who don't know you or the nickname

Giphy

This could again totally embarrass them and you, which if you do this in front of people you don't know very well, could make the rest of your interactions super awkward. This could make your friend mad at you for sharing a secret nickname with the rest of the world. It also makes you seem weird and like you don't know their correct name.

4. Don't do something weird when you say hi to someone you don't know very well

Giphy

For example, don't act like you've know them you're whole life. You should definitely act like you've known them for a long time because that makes people feel comfortable around you, just don't make it uncomfortable.

5. Don't wave like a maniac when you see them across the room 

Giphy

You should definitely wave to someone you know, but you shouldn't wave your arms around like you are a bird or like you have no control of your arms.

6. You shouldn't act like you don't know someone if you do know them 

Giphy

Something you should not do, is ignore the people you know because then you make things awkward between you two. You should say hi or wave or just acknowledge them. Don't be weird.

7. Don't call at them using a bird call 

Giphy

This can make things awkward if they don't know it's coming and they won't usually know how to respond.

8. Don't try to hug someone you don't know very well especially when they don't want a hug

Giphy

This can make for some awkward interactions and some people don't like to be touched. Make sure that the person knows that you want to hug them before you do so you don't accidentally get punched.

9. Don't do the handshake/hug thing

Giphy

This is a very confusing thing that happens when you first meet someone and it can be weird and then you just end up hugging a fist. Don't hug a fist

10. ​DO​ be normal and do normal things

Giphy

You should shake someone's or hug them when it feels right. You should wave if you know them. The most important thing to remember is to use good eye contact.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71096
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132751
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments