It’s come to my attention that I don’t return waves while walking the streets of Haines. I’ve heard a-shockingly-lot about my poor waving habits this summer. This is all very intriguing to me, as I never realized how sensitive local drivers can be when it comes to pedestrians not returning waves. Friendly drivers: when you cruise past a pedestrian and wave, and the pedestrian doesn’t reciprocate, please don’t over-think the situation. I can assure you, when I “ignore” your waves, it’s not because I “hate” you, am “mad” at you, or that you “said something that upset” me. No need to take it personally; I’ve never intentionally ignored a wave. Not once. Even if I “looked right at” you! (That is a common one.)
Also, I’m not “angry” and I’m not a “negative person.” I’m usually lost in thought when I’m walking. That is just my thinking face. I beg you: please stop analyzing pedestrians – especially ones you’ve never talked to before. The reason I don’t wave back is this: I didn’t see the wave. That’s it. I’m simply a bad waver. It’s honestly a lot of waves to keep up with. So many of you wave! It’s not that I’m anti-wave. I appreciate the friendliness, and I enjoy seeing the various styles of locals’ waves. Just know: there are many factors at play which work against the wave return, but I can’t get into them, because of the word limit. None of them have to do with you.
Eileen McIver