A Simple Greeting Required

I hate to be ignored.  Surprised?  It's bad enough being ignored in a conversation but lately I have noticed being ignored on the street.  Let me explain.  I was casually walking on Elmwood when I see an acquaintance in the window of a coffee shop.  He is sitting with two women, looks right at me, recognized me and turns away without a "hi" or a smile.  I smiled and lifted my hand to wave, but he already turned away.  Why?

Last week I was in the grocery store, it was pretty crowded.  I friend is at the end of the aisle, I swear she sees me and turns around.   I chase after her, actually just walked quickly but she was gone. What is happening here?

I make it a point to at least say HI to anyone I know when I see them.  That's common courtesy isn't it?  When someone turns away I feel they are trying to hide something.  Maybe they are doing something they don't want you to see.  What are you hanging out with drug dealers and planning attacks  It's ridiculous.  Or is it simply that they cannot be bothered to say a simple greeting.  Do I talk too much?  Probably, but please I  know a  simple greeting when it is appropriate.

I joke with one friend who I see completely put together in the morning while I am looking a little shall we say haggard.  When we pass on our walks I smile and cover my face, saying "You did not see me - I look terrible".  We laugh and continue on.

So here's the thing.  If you see me, stop and say hi or wave or give me a big smile.  I will not bother you and it will make me feel that you are indeed a friend and that you are not hiding anything.  If not I will hunt you down, make a fool of myself and keep you talking for at least 1/2 hour!