Whenever you are out walking?(People living in Ireland only...thanks)

Question

Whenever you are out walking and you pass a complete stranger, why do they feel the need to speak to you? They may be on the other side of the road, but if you met that same person in town the following day, walking along the pavement, you wouldn't even look at each other let alone speak? Has that ever happened to you.

Answer 1

We tried that......

Now half of Ballydung have barring orders against us!

Answer 2

In rural areas people know each other by hearsay if not by sight, so it's common to say things like 'lovely evening, isn't it?'

Not so much in city areas, however.  

Answer 3

well if you live in the county,like me, and someone walks or drives past you have to wave or say hello, even if you don't know them. Well, you don't have to but i think it's rude if you don't, i don't know why, i just do.

Answer 4

Its a country etiquette thing. You have to acknowledge the other person, because they might be the only one around for miles. It's not like you have to stop and have a conversation - just a 'how's the going' / 'grand day' will suffice. If you don't do, you risk a lot of muttering behind your back.

You don't have to do the same thing in a town (unless you know the person) because there are loads of other people around. It's just a courtesy thing, like saying 'bless you' when someone sneezes or giving up your seat for an old person on a bus. You don't HAVE to do it, but it's one of the little things that keeps society functioning and stops us all from becoming animals.

Answer 5

I live in Dublin, it doesn't happen so much here, except when I'm walking the dog, then everyone seems to feel the need to stop and talk.  I nearly feel let down if I go out on a walk and no one stops for a chat.   Most of the locals know my dogs name, but not mine.  But if I saw the same dog walkers in the supermarket I wouldn't say hello to them.  I'd probably not recognise them without their mutts. LOL

As for in the country side, its country etiquette. I love when I'm outside  Dublin and everyone nods or waves at each other either in the car or out walking.  Its just a polite hello, no need to go into your life story!!  It would be rude to ignore them after all.  I'm off to West Cork next week, can't wait, thanks for reminding me of the country etiquette.  

I'll rue the day it ever stops.  Its what makes us who we are.

Answer 6

yes it is so lovely for this to happen. its good manners and being polite.

Answer 7

If you're living in a city or the Dublin area this doesn't happen but in nice quiet country places like Donegal it does, you just say hi, nice day or something. It's just polite.