There have been lots of accusations and arguments flung from one side to the other about York city from it's safety and baseball stadium to it's convenience and management.
One thought, or question I suppose, came to mind the other night on a 6-mile run around downtown York. Is it unfriendly people that make up the city or does the city do it to the people?
It sounds convoluted, but bear with me. On that run, I said hi to nearly everyone I ran by who wasn't already in another conversation of some sort. Do you know how many people said hi back? None.
I couldn't figure it out. Why was it that certain people just stared at me as I ran by? No response, no smile, nothing. If I had to take a guess, it's probably because it's pretty surprising to have such an exchange. Don't get me wrong ... I live in the city, too, and I enjoy the area, the restaurants, the parks, etc.
You might be thinking, "Does this even matter?" It'd be nice to live in a place that had a positive reputation with positive people ... I figured we should start somewhere. Then again, there are people I know who live in the city and aren't friendly!
I'm of the mindset that a positive attitude accomplishes a lot. I've experienced the same thing walking around the city. I mean, really, how hard is it to smile and say hi?
Everyone's in their own little bubble... sad.
I have to say I've often had the same experience in the city -- except on the rail trail. There, folks say hi.