Take one look around and it’s easy to see that DC is not a “Southern City.” Passersby do not call out in greeting, common courtesies are very often ignored, and practically NO ONE smiles!
I am apparently a Southerner (and someone who believes Southerners are always more beautiful because they are both pleasant and have pleasant expressions), and I smile too much for DC. I thought I was making the city a better place – but I’ve realized why everyone, especially the women in this city, are so SOUR, and men, take note! It’s mostly because of YOU!
A simple smile in passing is an acknowledgement of humanity, not an open invitation! Women have adapted to maintain passive expressions (or rudeness) so as not to have to ward off unwelcome advances, lengthy conversations, and creepy staring.
DC could be a Smily City instead of a Sourpuss one. Say “Hello” in passing. Stop staring! And take that smile or nod for the simple act it is meant to be.
Anonymous
Ladies, the problem is YOU! If you all had the guts to approach men you were interested in meeting, we wouldn’t have to try to decode a smile as a smile or something more.
drew henson
agree on the smile and greeting part entirely. if you think DC is bad, just head north 250 miles to NYC. but even out west here in CA it can happen. nothing irks me as much as people walking around, with or without earphones, staring blankly into space trying to pretend that there's no one else around.
but i don't think it's fair to lay the blame on men. you're going to have creepy men, but also creepy rude women who'll ignore the simple hello. only way to move forward is for both parties to understand and accept that one will not always get the reception one wishes for, but not let that deter him or her from being friendly and cordial.
how the heck did i ever get on this site anyway? hmmm … well, happy new year!