The Hello Experiment
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Hello Experiment

Give it a try, I dare you.

1106
The Hello Experiment
Pinimg

The following is an experiment that has been done before. The subject in charge of this current trial will not take any credit for this. The experiment goes as follows:

Say hi to people you encounter throughout your day.

Description of trial: It can be anyone. If someone looks up at you as you walk past them on the sidewalk, say hi to them. Anywhere.

This does not mean you have to engage in a full on conversation with this person and tell them every deep dark secret you’ve ever had. It just means you have to say one word.

And it sounds crazy as I continue to grow older and more observant, I realize that we spend most of our lives not saying hi.

We live in a world where first impressions are never right; a place where talking to strangers is not a norm unless you want something at a store or company. And that just bothers me because there are people out there who may need someone like you to just talk to them for a few seconds.

All it takes is a few seconds to make someone’s day; you never truly know when a hi is needed.

We’ve grown up being told stranger danger but every good pal we end up having in our lives was once a stranger. Of course, there must still be caution in what you do and say but that doesn’t mean you have to look at someone and just walk right away.

I’ve spent the last week saying hi to people. The guy on the park bench looked at me, heard me, look surprised, said hi back real fast, and then smiled.

The lady in a rush past me shot hello back really quick and let out a deep breath she probably didn’t even know she was holding.

And it made me feel better to know that I made someone perk up, even if it was for a few mere seconds.

The world needs more hello’s to be said. You never know how much a hello can save someone.

So give it a try for a week. Now and again you won't get a response in return but to those who do respond, you'll be glad you said something.

Be nice to everyone for you don't know what they could be going through and it's rude to be mean. We’ve grown out of our childhood years seeing reality finally and thinking the world is a mean horrible place most of the time. Let's change that.

A hello isn't going to do that much but it'll do enough.

Enough small acts of kindness and courtesy will add up.

It’s not too late.

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
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.

100099
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