Much to my children’s dismay, I am a waver. I don’t believe you have to only be a mid-western American to be outwardly friendly with people you encounter while moving around the planet. In fact, I generally guard against being the one who fails to acknowledge someone within the periphery. Regularly, I time a big goofy wave. This practice is fomented through the fear of perhaps failing to reciprocate a wave or, more succinctly, not leaving someone hanging! I have been especially eager to greet others after the isolation of the pandemic.
There weren’t many opportunities to wave from the Peloton bike in the den, so this extrovert feels the need to hail folks two streets over. It’s rare if I am not initiating this affable, attentive but wordless expression. At the very least, I’ll wink, nod, smile but somehow try to flash some pleasant visual contact. Why?
Well, Seinfeld’s Costanza had it right: “You know, we are living in a society! We’re supposed to act in a civilized way!” Poor George was up against a standoffish NYC vibe, but in general, I do believe a hearty hand howdy (what?) can go a long way! Much like my word choice right there, I do embarrass myself daily with some overzealous attempts to connect with fellow Americans (well…. strangers). I truly lived Jack Lemmon’s role in “The Out-of-Towners” while working in NYC in the late eighties. I barely survived many a scrape with some less enthusiastic passers-by.

"I do embarrass myself daily with some overzealous attempts to connect with fellow Americans"

Once I was struck for attempting friendly eye contact with a gentleman on 41st street. He was in the midst of an illicit transaction and took offense at my intrusion. Yet, I haven’t learned my lesson as I seem to own an arm with an uncontrollable, instinctive wag reflex, much like a dog’s tail. Even obstacles such as today’s rampant use of earbuds and cell phones paired with zeitgeist stoicism haven’t slowed my need to demonstrate a touch of kindness towards a fellow pedestrian. I certainly realize not every wave I offer will be appreciated, accepted, or even noticed, but the benefits really do outweigh any awkwardness or occasional punch!

"I seem to own an arm with an uncontrollable, instinctive wag reflex, much like a dog’s tail."

Let’s take a look at what a momentary piece of affirmation seasoned with a pinch of respect could do for each party involved: Each successful wave has the potential to unlock some neurochemicals of happiness if all goes well. Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, and Oxytocin each hold the wonderful possibility of lifting our mood and outlook. Dopamine, the “feel-good hormone,” may be naturally released into the partakers of the manifested mini-connection. It’s the same minuscule “high” one gets from receiving a “like” from a social media post, but received from an actual present human. Endorphins relieve pain through movement such as dance. 

"Each successful wave has the potential to unlock some neurochemicals of happiness"

I believe the quick tiny bond shared by a cordial exchange has an element of a satisfying dance to it, albeit a dance with only one move. If one seeks the “happiness chemical” Serotonin, simply soak in the perceived goodness of a willing interchanger while also enjoying the rewards of your own mindfulness. You may well whistle your way through the rest of your day! Oxytocin is perhaps the most realized asset from waving. Compassion, trust, and the mere social interaction itself, release the “Big O.” This mighty hormone is known as the “cuddling hormone,” and who could shun that type of warmth? You wave as much as I do, and you are really self-medicating by one micro-dose at a time!

"I believe the quick tiny bond shared by a cordial exchange has an element of a satisfying dance to it, albeit a dance with only one move."

Picture the familiar hometown human interest story on the local news of “Mr. Bill” – the ancient, beloved Crossing Guard. My kids tease I will also spend my final years sharing a rickety salute from the corner with all the fine people on Main Street. Fair enough. I still hold to the idea that a random upward palm sway could simply make a fellow human feel included on the journey when it mattered for them most!! So America, do not wave off the hidden power of an earnest wave!

Share:

Facebook
Pinterest
Email
Print
John A. Hughes

John A. Hughes

John Hughes hails from Wilmington, Delaware. He has lived throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England in his 35 years working in the Commercial Furniture Industry. He remains an active parent of 2 children in their twenties and enjoys running and golfing.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

Get The Newsletter

By subscribing you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Laird Bunch

Laird is our B&C local expert agent for Delaware, Maryland and Southern PA.

Will Flannigan

Will covers the East Los Angeles Market for Bungalows Cottages. 

Expert Agent Connect

Connect with your local B&C expert to find, understand, and secure your next dream home. We’re here!

Or Call our Call Center at 941-275-2630

*By proceeding, you consent to receive communication at the
number you provided, and email, from bungalowsandcottages.com and
real estate professionals and their network of service providers about
your inquiry and other home-related matters. Msg/data rates may
apply. This consent applies even if you are on a do not call list and is not
a condition of any purchase.

Dakota Feroleto

Dakota covers the Southern California Desert Region for Bungalows and Cottages which includes Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta.

Ken Riel

Ken covers the Charlotte North Carolina Market for Bungalows and Cottages which includes Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth, Chantilly, Wesley Heights, Dilworth, NoDa, and Wilmore.

Karen Barks

Karen covers the Portland Oregon Market for Bungalows and Cottages from Beaverton and West Portland to the North and Northeast neighborhoods.

Chris Zoller

Chris covers the Tamp Florida Market for Bungalows and Cottages from Hyde Park, to Ybor, Seminole Heights, Historic Kenwood, and all around town.

Contact Chris:
941-275-2630
chris@whttampa.com
or Send A Note:

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Jen Berbas

Jen covers the Austin Texas Market for Bungalows and Cottages from Downtown, to Old West Austin, Chestnut, Travis Heights, Rosedale, and all around town.

Mark Hughes

Mark covers the Los Angeles Market for Bungalows Cottages. Mark also serves as the liaison to the B&C Expert Partner Agent Network.  He loves Bungalows and Cottages!

Contact Mark: Call Center
818-480-2864
mark@bungalowsandcottages.com
or Send A Note...

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Peggy Graef

Peggy covers the Orlando Florida Market for Bungalows and Cottages from Colonialtown, and College Park to Winterpark, and Thornton, and all around town.

Mike Dobbs

Mike covers the West Side Los Angeles Market for Bungalows and Cottages.

Steven Lambert

Steven is our B&C local expert agent for the Tri-Cities in Washington.

Amanda Rose

GA Lic#243859

Amanda covers the Atlanta Market for Bungalows & Cottages. 

Thomson Meeks

Thomson covers the Asheville Market for Bungalows Cottages.

Contact Thomson: Call Center
818-480-2864
or Send A Note...

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Submit Your BnB

Fill in your BnB details and we’ll review it for addition to our growing map of Bungalow and Cottages BnB’s.

*By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.

Shannon Praetorius

Shannon covers the Seattle Market for Bungalows Cottages. Connect with Shannon here to find your best B&C Market guidance.

Contact Shannon: Call Center
941-275-2630
or Send A Note...

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Anne Jensen

Anne covers the Los Angeles Market for Bungalows and Cottages along the south city side and LA’s southern coastal areas.

Contact Anne:
Call Center 818-480-2864
or Send A Note...

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Judy Hughes

Judy Hughes is a Orange County, CA sales expert and accomplished renovation consultant.

Call or text Judy at 562-972-0491
or send a note...

By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy

Kathy Engen

Kathy is our B&C local expert agent for Edina MN.

John Staab

John is the Managing Broker and accomplished real estate consultant for Motive Real Estate Fort Worth Texas. Lic #0525982

Ken Farah

Ken covers the San Diego County Region for Bungalows and Cottages.

Alex Fotouhi

Alex is our B&C local expert agent for Seattle Washington.

Agent Lead and Referral Network

Realtors® Fill in your details to join our growing exclusive B&C Lead and Referral Network and we’ll get back to right away.

*By sending you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.