Day 2

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Gold Coast

Item number 9,387,277 on my list of observations of the differences between city life and suburban life: You don’t greet the people you pass in the city. This is one of those very subtle differences that I will still overlook when walking outside of the city. I’ll find myself surprised when the couple walking past me or us says a quick, “Hello,” or does one of those polite, no-tooth smiles.

I do wonder whether it’s only Midwestern suburbanites who greet each other or if it’s the same in other US regions. Now that I think about it, I wonder if it’s true in all suburbs around the world.

Are people in cities less friendly? Are there just too many people to have to greet in the city? Are people in the suburbs more nosy? I can’t say, but I will be thinking about it.