Every morning I walk over to 14th, up to Valencia, and go up to Market Street to dodge red-light-running bicyclists and lurching homeless drunks. Almost every day on Valencia between 14th and Market I see the Same Guy. At first I ignored this Guy as he hurried past, head down with his coffee. After a few days I started trying to smile and make eye contact. He never looked at me. Ever. Not once. I tried this on and off for a couple weeks. Nothin. He just did not look up. He carefully avoided my gaze. A couple of times during this period I even passed him on Franklin Street after work, both of us walking back home. He must live by my office and work by my house. It’s a little weird.
After my failed attempts at a smile and nod which I hoped might turn into some sort of regular greeting and friendliness, I gave up. At first I felt a bit weird and guilty and tried to occupy myself with my iPod when I saw him so he didn’t think I was avoiding him… But since he is obviously avoiding me, I now just stomp on past and ignore him right back.
Hey, forget about him. I'm sure there are other friendly faces.
Cheers,
Barce