Say What?

Hello. Perhaps one of the most common greeting when you meet someone new or someone you know. Even when you acknowledge them. But the thought that has occupied my mind of late is that, why the necessity to greet someone? Have we been cultured to do so or are we just doing so that the other party won't count us in as being obnoxious? No matter the definition or rationale, it is rather inevitable that greeting someone has become commonplace. So much that when one fails to do so, one is looked at differently. However, we do at times put ourselves in predicaments where greeting someone upon first contact becomes far from mandatory. On first touch, the point is put across. Very often, in such situations, both parties are aware of the matter at hand. Unless, of course, if one of them chooses to ignore the question, then this scenario becomes null. That aside, let us assume that both parties have communicated willingly without having the need to greet one another. Let's call it mutual understanding for argument's sake. Not that we are going to argue about it but you get the drift. So when the conversation has ended, the need for the parting greet arises.

That begs the question, why the utmost necessity to say a parting greet to someone when they're leaving but it is optional to greet someone upon first contact? Are you able to properly end a conversation without having the need to bid farewell to the person? Are you able to leave without saying anything and performing any form of gesture? Seems pretty impossible when you put yourself in such a situation. One may claim that such a feat can be done but when you're the person involved, are you able to do so? Would you take the risk of being called snobbish? What is true is that people are going to end up being alarmed at your actions. This is one social behaviour which has been recognized everywhere that failure to comply with these rules and regulations makes you a hardened criminal.

When the time comes and you meet anyone you know, just walk up to them and get straight to the point. Wait for the lengthy pause that will occur to signify the end of another (fruitful) conversation. Then just walk away without saying anything to them. Let someone else be there with you observing every reaction that is released from the one you're making contact with. Let your friend tell you, if possible take snapshots, of how alarmed and lost they may look when you just leave the place. Sure you may have a chuckle or two but in the long run, you're going to have a lot of people question your new found self. Lectures and advice will also be sailing your way, though far from being smooth. You may even upset and hurt quite a few people but you're not supposed to feel for them. Rather, question their need to maintain such a cultured society. Tell them some kind of bullshit that you're breaking away from traditional beliefs. Tell them that you've attained nirvana in a way that only you and your kind can understand them. In short, they will end up being irritated. Good news for you, isn't it? Well, you should be rejoicing when others feel miserable. Okay maybe I'm taking this a little too far.

So the next time someone like me is going to walk up to you to say something, be wary. Prepare yourself for extreme shock. Don't end up being the last to laugh. But when you've been there and you know how it feels like, you could do yourself a favour and return the kindness to someone else. Show them how much you love them by being as conceited and obnoxious as possible. They would love you, for sure. If they don't, think of it as their loss. Everyone wants someone else to be different. So make that change today. In time to come, you will realize that 'hi-bye' friends will no longer exist. The world will be a safer place. Trust me. I only speak the truth but I seldom express it in words.

Tags: provoking thoughts, personal thoughts, humor, life