The lost art of hello

Ok..so usually I blog about the kids...but not today. Something I noticed recently. I have never really been accused of being shy..no surprise there. So, I realized the other day how few people in passing will look you in the eyes and say "hello" or "good morning". Even in Florida (which I have been told is full of friendly people...rather ironic seeing as how many are from NY!)

It had occurred to me yesterday as I was walking from the grocery store back to my office next door yesterday when I walked past a guy who looked at me, looked away, and looked back again as we were getting ready to walk past eachother. So, I smiled and said "good morning". He almost jumped! He did respond back with a "good morning", too. Then I started thinking "when was the last time I said hello or good morning to a stranger?" I couldn't even remember when! Yes, if I was walking into a store and they worked there or something, but I mean just one in passing. Why do so few people make eye contact with you when you walk by? Or say hello? On another note, do you think the age of computers has made that even more of a rare occurence with people spending so much time looking at a computer or texting on a phone?
I know that it was the most simple of things, but it made me feel good. Then I wondered why I ever stopped. No, I don't mean going around like a loon saying hello to everyone you cross paths with, but an occasional hello or good morning is sometimes so simple and so nice.