I hate empty words like "hello" oops I'm super rude

[belenen]

icon: "ewwwww (a photo of me making a disgruntled/disgusted face)"I hate it when people say 'hi' to me. It does not convey any meaning except 'pay attention to me now' and you're not even explaining WHY you want my attention. I hear 'hello' either as meaningless noise or as an irritating demand. Just go ahead and talk

Comments

You're not alone in this

[sandracaprice]

I play along with the pleasantries at work, and I make it bearable by occasionally giving an honest answer: "I really didn't sleep well last night and want to be home working in my garden." That kind of thing. Either a real conversation begins or I get a funny look--either way, that's more satisfying than idle pleasantries.

Re: You're not alone in this

[belenen]

*nods* I try to do that too, but more often than not translating my life into acceptable office chat is too much work. :-p

[queerbychoice]

Sometimes a "hello" from a complete stranger you encounter alone after dark or in the middle of nowhere is meant as "You don't need to be afraid of me," and it can somewhat serve its purpose by demonstrating that the person is speaking in a friendly tone of voice and following social norms.

Beyond that, I'm not sure what "hello" is for. Maybe if someone is walking up to you and isn't quite close enough to hold a meaningful conversation yet, "hello" could be the filler indicating that they're approaching you for the purpose of starting a conversation.

[cactus_rs]

oop I should read better, you already said basically what I said. :P

[belenen]

*nods* I can see how "hello" would serve a purpose there.

[medesign]

I agree with you fully. Its almost as bad as how was work? Its work = most likly something that wasnt fun = not something you want to discuss after being there all day.

[belenen]

INORITE? *shakes head*

[belenen]

*nods* makes sense!

[cactus_rs]

It only bugs me when it's random strangers on the street. Some cultures are very open and friendly and people do that but it makes me super uncomfortable

[wantedonvoyage]

I went to a writing group like that during NaNoWriMo... I kept hoping it would get better, but it didn't. Once I sat down with people who were NOT there for the group and they were actually more engaging, even though they weren't expecting a stranger at their table.

[cactus_rs]

That's too bad. The NaNo group here in Stockholm is very friendly and supportive and not so icy, but I think that is largely because of the concentrated efforts of our previous ML. (It's an attitude that has continued under new leadership, which is good!) That and another writing meetup I attend are quite friendly and warm (though that doesn't mean not-productive) so my expectations and reality were not at all in alignment for this one, lol.

[wantedonvoyage]

The NaNo sponsored events were much friendlier, too. This group meets year-round and thus I think is more insular.