I don’t know when I started to make this a habit. But whenever I run into someone that I know from my past I always make it a point to say hello. It can be a chance run in at the mall, an airport, park, anywhere. If I recognize someone I say hello, no matter what.
The most interesting part of this habit is that I’ve had to train myself to do it. There is usually an initial hesitation, especially if I was never really close with this person, or its been a long time. That moment when you want to duck out of sight, hide somewhere. But it’s short and micro. Pushing through it is rewarding.
Maybe there is a reason for the chance meeting, maybe not. Either way, say hello.