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Greeting the greeter

6/15/2013

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The past few "greeters" I've encountered as I've walked into big stores have not greeted me. I've initiated the greeting. Just seems odd!

From a language standpoint, greetings are a "couplet." There's the first offering (from person 1), e.g., Hello, Good morning, etc., and the second part, or "person 2's" reply, Hi, How are you, etc. 

It's almost a reflex for person 2 to reply, once the first phrase is offered. In the case of a greeting at a store entrance, it engages the customer, it makes you feel less anonymous, and presumably personalizes your shopping experience. 

But...if I'm the one doing the greeting (as the customer), I don't know if that's the case! 
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