Is it bad not to say hi to people that you walk across through?

Question

in America?? Because in the Philippines it doesn't really matter. Like people see each day but they won't even say hi, unless they really want to... Well because I walked past a girl that is like an acquaintance, who called me I'm black and I'm not, and I know her in school, and she said hi and I didn't said hi but my other friend did...Was that rude or what??

Answer 1

It´s a good idea to do that in rural areas or when meeting someone out in the mountains. But on the streets of New York that´s hardly a good idea. But if a girl greets you one should always reply friendly. Think about what your parents taught you about this.

Answer 2

Well, I personally shine a bright smile and say "Hi, how are you?" to everyone that I come across and pass.

Answer 3

Greeting and acknowledging somebody makes the world go round and it's free!  Yes it is impolite not to acknowledge this girl. Would you like it when you say Hi to somebody and they ignore you?  

Answer 4

It would be considered rude IF this girl didn't have a history of having provoked you in the past. You have no obligation to be polite to people who have been rude to you. You are perfectly justified in ignoring her.

For the most part, though, in the United States it is considered a little rude not to say hi back to acquaintances that say hi to you. You don't have to initiate the hi, though, just answer back when people say hi to you. Unless they have previously behaved badly toward you.

Answer 5

If she said , "Hi", to you and you ignored her, that was impolite.

Answer 6

Everyone in America is different. I (born and raised in USA) do not make eye contact with most people, I just walk by and mind my business

Answer 7

yeah that was rude next time when a person says hi just say hi back, it does hurt to say a simple hi.