The weird shift I noticed in random grocery store hellos

I swear people just stopped saying hi when you pass them in the aisle. About 2 years ago around July I started keeping track for fun. Before that maybe 7 out of 10 strangers would nod or mumble a hello at my local Safeway in Portland. Now it's like 2 out of 10 and only if you make eye contact first. I think phone scrolling while walking killed it. Has anyone else seen this drop off in their area?

3 comments

3 Comments

emery_black6d ago

You sure it started dropping off right in July? I live in Portland too and at my Fred Meyer it felt more gradual. Like pre-2020 everyone was friendly, then masks came and people just kept their heads down. Now most folks have their earbuds in. I still get a nod if I'm grabbing something near someone in the produce section.

the_xena6d agoTop Commenter

Oh totally, I've noticed the same thing. It's like everyone just decided to build invisible walls after 2020, and now even eye contact feels like a big ask.

the_miles5d ago

Huh, I actually haven't seen that at all. People are way more chatty with me now than they were before 2020. Like strangers just start talking to me in line at the grocery store all the time now. Maybe it's a neighborhood thing or something.