Greetings in the US are quite regional. Although I have lived in many different places, I was born, raised, and currently live in the South. Here you could be waiting in line, grocery shopping, or walking down the sidewalk and be spoken to by strangers. “How ya’ doing?” is a common greeting down here. Mostly, it is just a greeting and the appropriate response is often another, “how ya’ doing?” Unless you are
previously acquainted with the inquirer, the phrase is just a greeting, not a question. There is no need to share your current physical or emotional state with this kind soul.
Other expected greetings here in the South are head nods. A small nod down (and possibly to the side) is an ode to the tip of the hat. This is akin to “Good day to you sir/ma’am.” A small head nod upwards is a more modern and much more casual greeting and could be translated to “What’s up?” It is interesting to note that either of these nods can be very slight and almost undetectable. I have seen them gestured with just the eyes or brows.
So, how should one respond to these physical greetings? Well, how would you respond to a wave? An appropriate response would be to gesture back with a wave or nod. If that is uncomfortable for you, feel free to orally greet with a “hello” or even a “how ya’ doing?” The point is to respond in some way.
That is one remarkable regional distinction. It is part of our Southern hospitality to recognize the presence of others. Say good morning when you see someone for the first time in the morning, even if you share the same residence. Speak when you enter an occupied room for the first time, at work, at school, or even in a waiting room. And then return the greeting when you are the receiver of these salutations. It is considered rude, especially here in the South, to not respond to a greeting, whether you
know the person or not.
I am interested to hear your thoughts. Are you more comfortable with the physical or oral greetings? Are you a natural initiator? If not, are you willing to grow into that?
Share your perspective!