What’s the deal with parents who won’t acknowledge your existence at the bus stop?

[Anonymous]

MCPS makes parents of 5th graders stand at the bus stop???

[Anonymous]

I waited at the bus stop with my kids until they could drive. There was only one other kid. We would talk and laugh and enjoy a little time together before they went to school. It was nice. Especially as they got older and busier it was pleasant to carve out time together. OP have you tried just walking up and introducing yourself? « Hi Im Jennifer and this is Larla. » sometimes people are waiting for someone to make the first move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have been raised by wolves. Watch their kids also and you will notice they will be devoid of any manners or basic socializing skills.

Look for educated immigrant families and make friends with them.

If OP is too good to introduce herself and waiting on others to make the first move, where are her manners? I don't understand people who want make the effort then get upset at other people doing the same thing.

[Anonymous]

They're rude, shy, insecure. take your pick or all 3.
we live in FFX Co (Reston) and most parents congregate at the bus stop.

[Anonymous]

They may be shy in front of new comers. Not everyone is super comfortable with finding the right thing to say to ppl they don't know. Even simple eye contact makes them feel they are on the hook to say something, that often times they can't find that "something" to say.

If you are more outgoing, you can try to walk up to them and introduce yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

Do you want to talk to them or not? Maybe introduce yourself in English and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

Some people just prefer to keep to themselves. It's not necessarily about you.

[Anonymous]

I always say hello, but if I haven’t had my coffee or tea, the courtesies end there. Sorry, OP. It’s not you, it’s me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

Why do you speak Spanish to your kids? In front of other people? Are you being performative?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

Why do you speak Spanish to your kids? In front of other people? Are you being performative?

I wonder if the kids roll their eyes and answer in English, I see that a lot.

[Anonymous]

You walk up to them and say "I think your zipper is open."

That is a good icebreaker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an introvert. I don't actively talk to people that I don't know unless I have to. It has nothing to do with being or not being friendly. If you start a conversation, I will talk to you but it's unlikely that I will start one with a stranger.

+1 Hello is fine, but also it is rude of stranger to just walk up and try to engage someone in conversation. For all you know, they are silently practicing a speech for a big presentation they have in an hour, or memorizing lines for a stage audition, or trying to come up with the eulogy for a dearly departed, or mediating or praying. When someone is lost in their own thoughts, do not interrupt with small talk. It's not like you invited them to the bus top for a social visit. They are already immersed in their day. Say hello and if that doesn't lead to an opening to converse, politely mind your own business and don't fall for the temptation to think ill of the person. You have no idea what's on their minds (and they have no social obligation to share).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

Why do you speak Spanish to your kids? In front of other people? Are you being performative?

So now speaking your native language to your kids is wrong? I guess we have found another thing that social justice warriors and right wing racists agree on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re new at the bus stop for summer school. This is MCPS if it matters. I’m not a Chatty Cathy. Not even a wave or eye contact is pretty harsh especially when the person will then chat with other people.

This happens to me all the time. They don’t acknowledge me but are super friendly with other people. I am Latina and speak Spanish to my kids, so perhaps they think I don’t speak English.

Why do you speak Spanish to your kids? In front of other people? Are you being performative?

So now speaking your native language to your kids is wrong? I guess we have found another thing that social justice warriors and right wing racists agree on.

It is generally considered rude to speak another language in mixed company.