Understanding Social Norms: Why Saying “Hi” Isn’t Always Necessary
In many social environments, there’s a common expectation to greet everyone you see with a simple “hi” or a smile. However, this isn’t always reflective of personal feelings or social comfort levels.
As someone who tends to be more reserved and introverted, I find navigating these social expectations challenging, especially after transferring to a new school environment during my junior year. Unlike my previous experience, where interactions were more limited, my current setting involves a culture where most students greet everyone they encounter.
Initially, I attempted to conform by greeting people I didn’t know well. Over time, I realized that my interactions are usually limited to acknowledging acquaintances with a smile or a nod. As a senior, I spend much of my time exhausted and mentally drained, which can sometimes make social interactions overwhelming.
It’s important to understand that a person’s quietness or absence of greetings doesn’t equate to negativity or dislike. Sometimes, people are simply not in the mood to engage, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a common misconception that a polite smile or a greeting is sufficient to gauge someone’s friendliness, but that isn’t always the case.
We should recognize that social norms can be different for everyone. Respecting personal boundaries and understanding that silence or minimal interaction is sometimes a sign of comfort rather than disinterest is crucial.
Please note, English is not my first language, so I appreciate your understanding if my expression isn’t always perfect.
Let’s foster a more understanding and compassionate approach to social interactions—sometimes a simple smile is enough, and that’s okay.