Hellos and Headaches

[wolfieboy]

I accidentally fell into doing an experiment yesterday that I think I'll continue. It started just because I was saying "Hello" to people that I passed. After the third time that I consistently got a "Hi" back, I thought it was interesting. Since then, I've received five more "Hi"s and one "Hey". No one has said "Hello" back. cindygerb thinks this is

Comments

[silverbromide]

I think people might see "hello" as inquisitive, a little more formal, and something of a question as well as a greeting (*ring ring* "Hello?" ; "Hello, is anyone home?" ; "Hello, my name is...") where as "hi" would be the answer, the acknowledgement of the greeting, the more receptive response. And less formal, as someone previously mentioned. Actually, if some stranger says "hello" to me first, i'll usually respond with "good day!", though if i initiate the greeting, i'm more inclined to say "hello". Though i might use "hi" in either case, usually if i'm not certain of the other person's intentions/comfort level/other things that i don't know right now. If someone says "hi" i think i respond with "hi" as well. Hmm.

Do you say "hello" to people with whom you make eye contact, or with everyone? I find it hard to greet a stranger who won't look me in the face...

I was just poking around friends' friends lists. You don't know me. Carry on. :o)

[ydna]

Oh, you mad scientist, you. Hacking the populous one person at a time. :)