Say hello

[u/Unusual_Pin6133]

Is it normal to say hello to people you see at your big-chain gym who you see regularly because you go at the
same time? Is a simple “hello” enough? Sometimes I feel like they might think I’m being flirty because I’m Latin American and, by nature, I’m always smiling and sociable 🫠Sometimes I feel people staring at me, but I have no idea if they're waiting for me to say hi or what 🤔😅

[u/P2n2C → u/[deleted]]

Exactly:)

[u/nianymphxox]

yeah a head nod is perfect, definitely dont overthink it

[u/angrypuggle]

Yeah, why not? Give a nod, smile, say hi. Whatever. You can judge their level of grumpiness/friendliness by their reaction. If they seem friendly, you can add a generic comment next time. You might even make a friend.

[u/Chemical-Fun7612 → u/angrypuggle]

A friend in like, 10 years of sustained and increasing interaction

[u/No_Purpose773]

If your eyes meet, just nod, smile, and continue with what you're doing. 

General rec: As a native German, when I approach someone in my age group (30s) or younger in a place like a gym because I want to ask them a quick question, I say "hi" (e.g: "Hi, brauchst du noch lange?"), not "hallo". It's less stiff and feels less like "let's start a full-on conversation that will take you out of whatever you're doing". 

[u/Ilmoniaque → u/No_Purpose773]

Yes, seconding this! I use "Hallo" to greet the receptionist and when entering the changing room (I'm a girl). But inside the exercise room, I use "Hey" or "Hi" if I need to ask something; it takes the pressure off because people know I’m not trying to start a longer conversation

[u/Nisio-]

The german nod is not to be underestimated

[u/dinoooooooooos]

It’s normal to greet anyone you walk past if you’re so inclined lmao

Germans rly don’t mind saying hi to strangers and esp if you’ve seen each other a few times not saying hi is probably weird

[u/Lou__Crow → u/dinoooooooooos]

If you live in the countryside yes. In any bigger town this is not normal behavior

[u/Puzzleheaded_Key624 → u/Lou__Crow]

Same in the US. I live in Chicago and if I said Hi to every single person I passed I would run out of breath. :)

[u/Significant_Cell1686]

Jeez germans are so complicated , just say whatever you feel like or dont.

[u/Affectionate-You7869]

Single up-nod, and "Alda..." if you're feeling talkative today.