At times I feel like greeting the people I pass by on the small paths on campus. I don’t feel like that all the time, obviously, but I’m always prepared should they greet me. I might not answer with my voice, but I’ll definitely force a smile and a nod. Other times, I deliberately seek eye contact and I clear my throat, ready to greet the person, but I rarely find the moment. Instead, I notice this distant view in the person’s face–I’m not really there–and to say something would feel crazy. It would be like speaking to yourself or be the only one to laugh at your own joke.

So we pass each other, and I start to wonder. What would have happened if I had greeted the person anyway? It might have turned out awkward, of course, with me waiting for a response that never came. But more likely, the person would have turned in positive surprise saying, ‘Ohh good morning, Lars!’ Whatever might have happened, it didn’t feel right at the time so we continue to each of our destinations feeling rather indifferent. Perhaps we even forget we saw the other person that morning or afternoon.