In the US, should I respond to "How r u?" by Homeless & unknown people?

Question

Please teach me an appropriate manner in the street.

Whenever I walk in the street, many people including black homeless say hello or "a mini talk" to me. Can I ignore? I am not interested in them at all.

One day, in the street, one homeless asked me "what are you studying?" "why don't you buy me lunch?" In my opinion, I do not need to expand conversation with him. How should I deal with these people? In my culture, homeless never talk to general people in the street, so I am just confused...

Answer 1

Etiquette-wise, you are not required or expected to respond or even acknowledge such aggressive and unsolicited attempts on your attention (just like you are not required to answer the phone every time it rings).  It's socially okay to just ignore them and keep walking.  It doesn't matter if the person is homeless or not, employed or not, attractive or not - you're not required to interact if you don't wish to.

If you want to be kind or extra polite, just give a brief smile and nod to acknowledge their existence, but without making eye contact or slowing down.  Many homeless people (and aggressive salespeople, for that matter) feel they can get away with such behavior because so many people ignore them anyway, so what they do doesn't make a difference.  Show them that people DO recognize their existance and their actions, but that you choose not to be affected by it.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with being polite to the homeless.  Personally, I have found it to be very rewarding on different occasions to visit with the homeless in my area.  I'm reminded of one woman in particular whom others had told me would hiss at you when you walk by.  Well, I went and sat on the curb next to her and had a wonderful conversation.

Another thing that helped me overcome my inhibitions about the homeless was to go and volunteer at the local homeless shelter.  I helped to serve their meals and found it to be uplifting and I came away with a better attitude.

Answer 3

In this country all are equal.  We left Europe, Asia and other parts of the world so we could be equal.  Remember you are just another average person in America.  There is not a cast system in this country and to look down upon others less fortunate then you is not the American way.  Treat all you meet with respect and consideration.  An old saying is that "but for the grace of god  there go I".  You could be a homeless person needing help, or the conversation of another to save your sanity and what little self respect you have.  Was he interested in you, no.  The conversation was just a prelude to a meal.  Nothing wrong with charity and giving.  I always give when asked, if I have it to give.  We are all just a stones throw from being homeless and in the same situation.  They do not choose to be there, they sometimes do not have the capacity to go any further or they have been dealt a series of set backs. Nothing wrong with being cautious, but respect and courtesy is good also.

Answer 4

Maybe you should go back to "your culture" if you feel so "confused". Or, you can just keep walking and turn your back on their plight.  

Answer 5

I would wish a polite hello and that's it. Esp if they seem like they are taking advantage or flirting/getting too familiar etc. Use ur vibes...ur gut instinct. If u don't feel comfy, u don't have to talk at all. Otherwise, just wish them back and wish them a good day. And if u feel particularly moved, and they seem really sincere and nice, u can do them a good deed too. It all also depends on the kind of person they are. But overall, nodding at them will atleast make them feel acknowledged.

Answer 6

Say good morning, have a nice day and when they are polite then acknowledge them nicely by looking at them.  Do not stop, keep going.  So many people act as if they don't see them but they are people too.

Answer 7

Point them in the direction of the job centre.

Answer 8

what would you do if a homefull person said hello , how are you, etc. and you were busy or didn't want to talk? you would be polite and say hello and follow up politely with I'm really busy so I need to go,or study this, etc. You would not ignore them. And for those who would, just know these are people too, many of whom may have served to protect you, or your parents, and grandparents in war, it could easily be you if not for the grace of god!

Answer 9

i jusy say Hi and keep walking

Answer 10

I do what you do and just ignore them.

If you have to talk to them just say, "No thank you." and walk away. That shows them you are not interested but still being polite about it.

Answer 11

keep walking and smile and say  take care

Answer 12

Okay, people who are homeless are still people, just like you're a person.  You speak to them like you would speak to anyone else.  If you want to say hello back, or whatever you would say to any other human being who spoke to you on the street, then that's how you would respond; it's not like they speak a different language or they're ceremonially unclean or anything!  If you don't want to buy them lunch, then tell them you don't want to buy them lunch, it's that simple.  

Did you know that the majority of the middle and lower class people in this country are just one missed paycheck or other emergency away from being homeless?  This means you could find yourself right out there with them through no fault of your own, just like a lot of them are out there through no fault of their own.  So if it was you, would you want someone to look down on you the way you look down on them?