LtlPinkCoupe
Veteran
Joined: 7 Dec 2011
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,044
Location: In my room, where it's safe
18 Jan 2014, 12:58 pm
Does anyone else ever get asked why they do things that they've always done that may be quirky or different from the norm? For instance, when I run into or walk past people on campus, I usually smile, wave at them and say "Hi, how ya doin'?" kind of like Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. 
People liked this when I was in high school (and they actually thought it was great that I was so friendly) but when I got to college, I noticed that when I smiled and waved at people, some would go along with it, but still others would look at me funny or ask, "Do I know you from somewhere?" And taken somewhat aback, I would reply, "Um, no...I was just saying "hi!" And if asked WHY I smiled and waved at people I didn't know, my answer would usually be, "Well...that's just what I do." That was my answer to a lot of questions like that. I didn't know WHY I did that, I just always had done it.
Anyone else?
18 Jan 2014, 1:24 pm
People liked this when I was in high school (and they actually thought it was great that I was so friendly) but when I got to college, I noticed that when I smiled and waved at people, some would go along with it, but still others would look at me funny or ask, "Do I know you from somewhere?" And taken somewhat aback, I would reply, "Um, no...I was just saying "hi!" And if asked WHY I smiled and waved at people I didn't know, my answer would usually be, "Well...that's just what I do." That was my answer to a lot of questions like that. I didn't know WHY I did that, I just always had done it. Anyone else?
this is a culture clash situation. If you live in a small town where everyone feels "safe" and generally knows each other it is expected to be friendly. However in situations where there are thousands of strangers who will not know each other longer than 4 years if that forming cursory relationships with strangers is a wasted effort. You might even get funny looks from people in classes with you whom you dont directly interact with.
18 Jan 2014, 1:37 pm
Last summer, my niece started asking me why I do certain things. Stuff like Why do you make weird sounds?, Why don't you talk much? One time she said I was like an alien, which I thought was funny 
I never really know how to respond to those types of questions, especially when I'm not expecting that type of question. Sometimes I just can't figure out what to say at all, so I don't say anything, which makes people ask why I'm not answering them and it snowballs until they think I'm mad at them or they get angry with me. 
18 Jan 2014, 1:58 pm
