I was walking my dog today, as I do every morning, and walked past a woman whom I've said hello to virtually every morning for a year. As I got close I looked at her and smiled as I said hello, but she kept walking as if I didn't exist. As usual, I wondered, has something happened to make her so distant or is she just practicing a learned but rude habit? You need to understand we live in a semi rural area and almost everyone says hello. Today I remembered

About two years ago, while visiting New York, I was sitting having lunch at one of the two-person tables in the food hall at Grand Central Station. At the table next to me was an attractive woman, and I was a little lost, so I said hello, hoping to get directions ... Nothing ... "Excuse me, can I ask for some help?" ... Nothing. I am sure I must be a pain in the butt some days, as I wasn't going give in that easy ... I was on a mission. Making eye contact and with my best puppy dog face ... "Hi, I'm from New Zealand and I'm lost. Can you help?" Finally she gave in and said sure. The funny thing was, this initial "Ice Maiden" suddenly was deep in conversation, and really friendly. We talked over sandwiches and I asked how long she had been in Manhattan? (Three years) ... Any family? (No) ... Boy Friend? (No). Her next comment knocked me over:

Honestly, all I could do was laugh. She lives in a city with four times as many people as my whole country and she finds it hard ... I smiled and asked cheekily, "Maybe if you replied when people said hello that might help." She blushed and agreed. I always wonder why so many woman do that ... I mean ignore men when they are just being friendly. Is it because hello might lead to being hit on? A request for a phone number or a date? I guess sometimes it will. The funny thing is, she wants a partner, so allowing people to connect might have its advantages. But when I walk my dog in the morning ...