Greetings
With my 9-month-old son in my Ergobaby carrier I am strolling through Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. I pass people without greeting them. Then suddenly I find myself making an exception by saying and waving ‘hello’ to a man who is pushing a Bugaboo baby stroller.
(Just to be clear, this is an article about greeting behaviour, not about baby brands - but I welcome the affiliate income)
The young father and I exchange understanding looks. We are part of the exclusive group ‘fathers of a new-born child’. And fathers of new-borns greet each other.
Before I became a dad, I only experienced categorical greeting by motorcyclist. And I assumed it was limited to this group only. I was taking motor cycling lessons when motorcyclists in oncoming traffic were waving at me. But because I needed both hands on the steering wheel - like I need both hands on the bar after I had a few drinks – waving wasn’t an option for me. And neither was my motorcycle driving licence for that matter.
But I know my way around with the Ergobaby. It leaves me BOTH hands free to wave left and right to other young parents. And then I started to wonder...
If this greeting phenomenon extends to more groups than just motorcyclists… what other type of groups have their own greeting arrangement?
Chinese people? Stewardesses? People with tattoos? I never paid attention. But now I can imagine even botoxed women having their special salutation. It’s probably some kind of hand signal or head nod for lack of facial expression.
Yesterday, at the checkout line in the supermarket, I am standing behind a guy who has his 9-month-old daughter in his Baby Björn, the same age as my son. So, I lock into his eyes and smile, giving him the empathic father look. No response… unless you want to count his “What do you want from me, you creep!?”
I learned a wise lesson for new-born fathers. Don’t greet if your baby is not with you.
To your senses,
Miro
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