Look Me in the Eye

Recently, I've noticed that no one looks me in the eye anymore. When I am walking, jogging, getting groceries, etc. I look at the people around me. I observe what they are doing, enjoy my surroundings, and I also look at people's faces. Apparently, though, I am one of few who still continue to try and make eye contact with those around me. I've noticed it everywhere, in the park, at the mall, downtown... No one wants to look me in the eye! Well, not "no one", SOME people do, but really very few in comparison with the number of people I encounter everyday. The first time I noticed this was on campus, I noticed that you just kind of stare at the sidewalk or straight ahead when you're walking to class and you NEVER smile or say Hi to someone walking in the opposite direction. At the time I kind of just assumed it was part of college and that as people grew up, moved on, and lived in the real world they would begin to take their eyes off the ground and look at others around them. Sadly, this is not the case. It seems that we are now expected to mind our own business everywhere we go and it is assumed that you will have no interaction with those around you. Well too bad world, I am going to interact with you! So when I'm running at the park and someone is deliberately staring at their shoes instead of giving me a fake smile, I'm still going to say hi to you. And when I'm waiting in line at the grocery store, I WILL make a joke about People magazine to the person standing behind me. I will continue to awkwardly make eye contact with people I am passing on a walk or in the mall and I will smile and say hi even if they want to be left alone. I understand not wanting a stranger to talk to you for 15 minutes while you're trying to get your errands done, but is a little common courtesy too much to ask? In a word of instant communication, I think a smile and a "hello" can go a long way. So if you see me out and about, look me in the eye, say hello, and give a fake smile. It's definitely better than looking at your feet all day.