just a few questions

[Solumina]

Yeah I know I'm a whore for being away so long but university is kicking my ass this semester and I know that this makes me even more of a whore but one f the reasons I'm here today is because I need to ask a bunch of people some questions for an anthropology paper on greetings and I was hoping that you guys could help me out.

You don't have to answer all of the questions but I would really appreciate it if you would answer at least three of them (but if you answer 6 or 7 please answer the other). Also if you would like to give an explanation and/or a story to go with your answer that would be greatly appreciated.

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

2. How did you meet your current best friend?

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

[Godslayer Jillian]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?) Very uncommon. I'm the one that makes eye contact with other people when they look at me, smile to them, and they generally smile back. People never get into conversations with other people, sometimes because they don't think of engaging a conversation with someone outside of their known social circles, but mostly it's because people know in these times if they were to engage in conversation with the stranger, the stranger would be annoyed rather than happy to meet someone new.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?School. French class.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch? She talked to me first. I was reading an anthology on Existentialism by Walter Kauffman outside of Mc Donalds waiting for my friend to end her shift, a girl was sitting next to me, I felt her gaze, looked at her, and said she was curious of what I was reading, I told her, she was amazed I was interested in philosophy at 18, and recommended me to read Camus. We didn't exchange contact information.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students? I'm generally reading a book, but say hi if I see them, and merrily close my book if they have something they want to talk about, but they're the ones that have to open the conversation.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor? I generally don't. I just keep quiet until I feel I have something to say, at which time I don't keep it to myself.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them? Again, generally I'm just reading a book. I engage in conversation only if I have something relevant to say to them or they are the ones that make the first move.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently? Even with friends sometimes I just keep reading unless I have something to tell them. The only reason it's easier for me to talk to known people rather than strangers is because as I've talked to them before, there's more relevant things to say, or they would understand what I tell them when to a stranger I would have to explain it from the beginning.

[Solumina]

Thanks a bunch Jill, I really appreciate it

[LadyStardust]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

Yes, I do. There are many occasions where a greeting, and maybe even small-talk, can be appropriate. Take the service industry, for instance. I am a waitress, and many of my customers will strike up conversations with me.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?

Through several common friends, I believe. We also hang out at the same café, The Darkroom.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

I’ve had many conversations with strangers. I did exchange e-mails with one person who I met quasi-randomly. He ended up being a friend of my brother’s girlfriend, though, so I’m not sure if that counts.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

I don’t. I rarely start conversations, though I warm up to them quickly if they speak to me. The most recent ice breaker is when a classmate felt bad for me when I spilled my coffee, and ended up buying me a fresh one at break.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

Again, I don’t. It’s usually two or three classes before I speak to the professor, unless I need to inform him of something important.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

I will often ignore them, but will sometimes engage in small talk. I think this depends a great deal on their appearance and/or demeanour. I am put off by extremely ugly people, or those who are mentally challenged. I know it’s horrendous. They make me nervous. I’m afraid they may behave in a way that is inappropriate, if not threatening.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

Than in question 6? Partly. I ignore the person completely, since I am most likely conversing with the individual that I know.

[korinna5555]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?
Around here, it's pretty common for other people to say hello or good morning. I usually only say something in response.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
A Goth group on Myspace. We started chatting, and really hit it off. Now, two years later, he's my fiance.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?
I have had conversations with many strangers, usually regarding my clothing. I can't remember any times where I exchanged info.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?
I am usually the first student in class. I will have my nose buried in a book or sketchbook, but will attempt to be friendly if anyone wants to talk to me.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?
I will usually just say hello.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?
In close-contact situations, I focus on not totally flipping out. I have social anxiety problems that worsen in crowded situations.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?
Drastically. If I am alone with someone I know well, I am very social and comfortable. There are few people that I know well enough to be truly comfortable around, though..

[Breathless Horror]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?
Sure, I'll nod or smile to total strangers.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
I met her at a summer camp. We were waiting for dinner, and for some reason she came up and started poking me. I figured I'd either have to kill her or become friends, so I chose the latter.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?
Yes and yes.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?
I don't, I find a seat and sit in it. I usually also leave my music on.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?
See above answer

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?
Usually just a nod and a smile, other than that, I tend to tend to my own buisness, and leave others to theirs.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?
Of course, we talk, lean on each other if tired, wrestle if we're bored, hug if we're sad. What else are friends for?

[††BlackRose††]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

Yes, a lot of people do that. I like it like that as well. It's polite and they are being nice to you. :P

2. How did you meet your current best friend?

Well I was in Religion class in grade 9 and I had missed the first day of school since we were away for a serious reason. The teacher explained that we had a mini-assignment to get to know people and I was grouped up with my current bestest friend and some girl. My best friend, Jenn, and I both started a conversation and we were both being complete idiots. Now I suppose I trust her with a lot more than anyone else.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

I actually did. I do that with a bunch of people. Not all of them become friends or anything. The only way I have their email addresses is through projects and stuff, but other than that they just become aquaintences most of the time.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

Keeping with my personal character, I am as nervous as anything. I open up when I find my comfort zone with people. I try to be as nice as I can unless if they do something that makes me think that they are bad people. I'm just myself and I talk to the people around me.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

Call me a nerd or whatever, but I actually do say "Hi sir/miss". It's because I greet them with a smile, I am always in their good books.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

Well, I am a very shy person as I mentioned before, but I do have my open moments. If they make a comment then I reply back to them, not in a rude way. I am only rude to those who have wronged me.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

I try not to. I try to be myself as much as I can. If I act out of character then it is unconsciously. I hate people that are fakes, so I try not to be one myself.

[Crying_Crimson_Tears]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is? It's uncommon around here. People will exchange smiles and glances, but nothing more really.

2. How did you meet your current best friend? I met him through theater at my school.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch? I have had a conversation with a complete strange and yes we did stay in touch. We're currently dating.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students? I don't greet them. Unless they're friends.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor? Hello. Or in my French teacher's case, bonjour Madame.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them? I smile at them when I meet their eye contact and I sat excuse me if I am in the way.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently? I sometimes do, depends on the person I am with.

[Solumina]

Thanks guys, I *heart* you all

[Solumina]

I have some new questions if you all wouldn't mind answering:

1. Do you find it difficult to meet new people?

2. Do you treat people differently if you know that you will never see them again (like if you are on a vacation)?

3. When you walk into a room (such as a waiting room) and there are only two open seats, one right next to a friendly looking person ,the other in a corner by itself, where would you sit?

[Nevan]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

I think that depends on the situation - there are certain places where the atmosphere is condusive to conversation, even with strangers - such as a club or church - but in general everyday scenarios it's not really common.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?

We met at a sportsclub.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

On one or two occasions, with one particular person we exchanged contact details and kept in touch thereafter (only for about two weeks though).

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

I often used to be first in class, I'd sit down and mind my own business, and only greet the next two or three people that came in after me. If I came in later, I'd only nod to the people I know.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

Uhm... 'Good morning' ...? If there's no one else in the class at that time I'd usually start a conversation thereafter about the study material.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

Just me. I'm not particularly nice to the person or anything, just normal.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

No, I wouldn't say that I do. I'd probably be unawares of the strangers around me and be talking to the person.


For the other questions:

1. Do you find it difficult to meet new people?

Yes in general because I'm not really outgoing. But there are certain places where it's easy to meet and talk to strangers.

2. Do you treat people differently if you know that you will never see them again (like if you are on a vacation)?

I have done that on occasion.

3. When you walk into a room (such as a waiting room) and there are only two open seats, one right next to a friendly looking person ,the other in a corner by itself, where would you sit?

Either, it doesn't make a difference. Although I'd prefer the remote seat if the person sitting next to the other open seat looks dodgy or out-of-place

[Wormboy]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

Not usually. People tend to have a slight xenophobic tendancy around here. Though smiles are generally thrown about.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?

Homeroom of 8th grade.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

Yes, many, with many people. One advantage of dressing as oddly as I do (not odd to you lot but odd to "normal" people) is that it makes great conversational pieces. I once had a twenty minute conversation about all the things my finger ring resembled. It was quite funny. ^_^

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

Well, I'm usually first in the class (sometimes even before the teacher) so I tend to say hello and have some cheap smalltalk with anyone who shows up early.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

I usually don't. Some professors give me odd looks. Some are genuinely nice, so I will walk up and shake their hand and say hello if they happen to be early.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

It depends. Normally I'll just amuse myself with music or books and such. If they say hello, I'll say hello as well. I'll engage in conversation only if they approch me though.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

I tend to talk more to that person than anyone else. However, with certain friends of mine, I tend to go up to random people and talk to them. It happens to be a favorite activity of some of my friends.

[Delkaetre]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings?
Not particularly, whether in an academic context or out of it. The exception to this is the start of a first year somewhere- eg Freshers at a university- where people will speak to strangers because they are new and need to find people to socialise with.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
Can't label an individual best friend at the moment. Of my few good friends, generally people I've approached based on their appearance because I was new to an area or event and their corset/ cruxshadows shirt/ frock coat indicated a similarity in tastes to me, thus marking them as safe.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?
Yes, my current Housemate N. I approached him one of my first days of uni, exchanged mobile numbers with him, and then caught up later because I was in a rush at the time. I went up to N because I was in area with a markedly large population of 'chavs', and thus someone with fake dreadlocks, an undercut and a cruxshadows shirt looked like a safe and friendly person.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?
I don't. I see which of them will make eye contact with me without giving me a funny look, and sit near them as they seem most likely to put up with my eccentric manner of dress.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?
The tutor or lecturer is invariably later than the class to arrive. Lecturers, by nature, arrive first and leave first- no one speaks to them unless we have questions. Tutors tend to launch into the lesson and take a name check. Greetings aren't really prevalent.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?
I keep the distance I feel most comfortable with that doesn't seem outwardly rude (immediately cramming oneself into the furthest corner is rude). If there is some reason to talk, then I will do so politely- eg "Sorry, is that a copy of Descartes' On Method? I've been looking for one, I just wondered if you got it from the university bookshop or had to get it from the library" or "Don't worry, this lift sticks a little between floor three and four, you get used to it".

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?
I'll again take up whatever distance from the stranger(s) that leaves me comfortable but doesn't seem too rude, and continue whatever conversation I'm having with my friend or associate.



Despite this overly formalised description of things, I'm actually quite friendly and do tend to approach strangers relatively frequently- either to ask where they got an item in their possession such as a jacket, to offer them a card, or to tell them of something I think they might be interested in. Example- telling someone wearing Pro-socialist badges about a student union meeting on ethical trade that they might like to attend, telling someone dressed in conspicuous amounts of black about a local club they may wish to attend, since I haven't seen them at it before.

[Noumi]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?
No, I usually say hi to people I've met before, but it's ok to socialize

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
I don't have a best friend

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch? Yeah, I've had to talk to complete strangers but I rarely keep in touch.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?
I never greet them... I'm a very shy person...

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?
I don't talk to tachers unless it's necesary

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

I feel a little uncunfortable

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

hmmm, no... Why should I??

[Breathless Horror]

1. Do you find it difficult to meet new people?
Yes, I don't really go out of my way to meet new people.

2. Do you treat people differently if you know that you will never see them again (like if you are on a vacation)?
No, I treat them the same as anyone else.


3. When you walk into a room (such as a waiting room) and there are only two open seats, one right next to a friendly looking person ,the other in a corner by itself, where would you sit?

The one by itself in the corner.

[DepthsofSpace]

Part I

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?
I often say 'Hello', 'Good Evening' or some such to someone if eye contact is established, or if the situation is set-up. I'll sometimes make small talk if I notice something interesting, like a piece of jewelry, or some such. Maybe a band t-shirt, or just a remark or situation. Example, there's some sort of police activity, and they make a facial gesture or an odd glance I might make a remark relevant to the event. Usually if we are stuck in line or an elevator together.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
Don't really have one, but the people I interact with a lot are from organizations or school.

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?
Once at a Civil Air Patrol event I gave my Live Journal address to a young man who I was speaking with.

4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?
Well, I'm a bit obvious, so everyone acknowledges me right-of-the-bat. I usually say little, and maybe join in a conversation if there is a talkative group.

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?
Usually a 'hello', nothing major at first, usually after the first class I'll go to the teacher, fully introduce myself and make a note that I'm glad to be in their class and look forward to the semester.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?
See first answer. Usually a hello or such off the bat. If I see a point I can converse on, I'll start up a little shit-chat.

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?
Might be a bit more talkative, usually ask them about something if I have a question, if not ask them about their day, and what's going on...


Part II

1. Do you find it difficult to meet new people?
Err, hmm. No, as seen above I'm very social and outgoing. However, I don't spend enough time presuing relationships, so getting to know someone over the long run is a bit difficult.

2. Do you treat people differently if you know that you will never see them again (like if you are on a vacation)?
Not really, and with modern communication, I'll give them my business card with email and tell them to look me up on MySpace or the like. Usually I treat them about how I would treat classmates in a class.

3. When you walk into a room (such as a waiting room) and there are only two open seats, one right next to a friendly looking person ,the other in a corner by itself, where would you sit?
Sort of depends. I hate sitting right next to someone, right off the bat, though I like conversation, I like a bit of space. I might choose the corner and may make conversation from there is possible.

[Sir Canvas Corpsey]

1. Do you find it common for strangers to exchange greetings (anything from a simple good morning to making conversation? If not why do you thing this is?

I find it relatively common for the older folk such as your typical granny's and grandpa's to exchange good mornings with and comment on the weather, often mothers too, women in general seem more likely to offer greetings.

Teenagers just seem to stick to their group probably due to feeling unsafe or insecure about people different from them and actually acknowledging these people exist or they just think that person is pathetic/a "loser/someone not worth their time, any number of excuses to refuse social interaction and appear cool by somehow ridiculing this person. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't met a teenager before they aren't likely to say hello or morning as a polite thing, they usually have an ulterior motive that can range from wanting you as a friend or wanting you to lend them some shrapnel/poo change/coins.

2. How did you meet your current best friend?
Through another friend at a school I recently (start of this year) started attending

3. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger? If so did you exchange any contact information and keep in touch?

yes quite recently, I was a bit close to the tram tracks and a tram was coming up from behind and this woman started saying something that sounded like 'mine' or 'mind' finally she elaborated to "watch out for the tram" at which point i stepped to the right only getting clipped by the tram.

Then we got talking about how tram stops are too small and you can only walk in a single file, when you're there and how slightly moving towards the actual tram line can result in you getting hurt by an incoming tram. No details or contacts were exchanged though

Another time ON a tram I was confused on how to get to a university to attend Manifest (Melbourne anime festival) and so I asked some girls who i heard talking about cosplaying, we ended up in line together and spending the entire day together and exchanged details at the of the day as well as contacts an still keep in touch and plan to meet up again for the next Manifest


4. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the other students?

first time ever i just keep quiet, first time in the morning, I scout out for anyone I know and sit next to them or if no one is there i move to the section of the room where me and my friends usually sit.

Providing there's someone I know there, and by know i mean know well, I will exchange a morning and any number of jokes or catch slogans that we both find entertaining.
eg. I will greet my friend erinn with a phrase such as "don't play bejewled erinn!" and poke her repeatedly as it is a reference to a joke between us

5. When you step into a classroom for the first time how do you greet the teacher/professor?

first time ever I wait for the teacher to begin the standard class introduction with the getting to know you exercises.

If it's a normal class day i usually just say hello and if they aren't busy tell them how im going in terms of homework.

6. When you are in close proximity to stranger (such as an elevator, bus, waiting room, etc.) how do you act towards them?

I keep silent unless they address me, something about them or what they are doing piques my interest or tickles my funny bone, or unless something happens that involves both of us, such as us falling forwards into each other if the bus or train stops suddenly, and even then it's usually just a 'sorry', or 'are you okay?'

7. When you are in the same situation accompanied by one person that you know do you act differently?

Usually chat freely or share food with them, we will talk about anything basically that comes to mind even singing or making fools of ourselves or disgusting other people near us by talking about biting people, eating children, our love/sex lives etc.




1. Do you find it difficult to meet new people?

I find it difficult to meet people who aren't scared or intimidated by me in real life, i also find it hard to strike up a conversation with someone i've never met. as you can guess I suck at asking people out ! XD

2. Do you treat people differently if you know that you will never see them again (like if you are on a vacation)?

I try not to get too attached to the person and I definately try my hardest not to develop a crush on the person if they're attractive or have a kind or sexy personality. I do try to keep in touch however after that.

3. When you walk into a room (such as a waiting room) and there are only two open seats, one right next to a friendly looking person ,the other in a corner by itself, where would you sit?

The corner, I don't like being cramped by someone especially for fear of any disgusting habits they may have or say an older person may be tempted to fall asleep on my shoulder.

The exception is in a hospital waiting room, especially if i'm the one afflicted , i want people around me to make sure that i don't die, a selfish thing and something i presume is based on the survival instinct.

one time I remember i came into the hospital and from what I heard from the nurses as they saw me walking and up to the desk, I looked like a chemical burns victim, specifically if some fairly strong acid had been sprayed onto my arms, legs, chest, back, neck, face, hands, feet.

In truth it was an allergic reaction which i assume had come from the honey and soy spring rolls >_>

anyway it was in a circumstance like that, that I chose to sit not in one of the many vacant areas but rather one seat away from a what appeared to be a fairly normal couple. One seat was I was close so they could help me if neccessary but still give them some roomas to not scae them or make them feel ill, for by that point the allergic reaction was in it's climax and I looked like a peeling corpse with dribbles of blood coming from where I could not help but scratch.

I like to be mindful of people's boundaries in those situations.

[Solumina]

I*heart* you all. Thanks bunches, I now have a large enough (even if a little biased) sample for my paper.

[DepthsofSpace]

Originally Posted by Solumina

I*heart* you all. Thanks bunches, I now have a large enough (even if a little biased) sample for my paper.

You took it from a bunch of Goths. You can't get a more random sample than that. =P


(Let us see zee paper when ye are finished!)