I've always tried to follow the "rules" of random encounters with people you know. Mind you these are just off the top of my head, but there are unwritten rules that I think most of us have when it comes to situations like those.
1. Don't suck people into unnecessary conversation. You know, the types of exchanges about the weather and such that just fill gaps in time where it's perfectly fine to be quiet but people just can't seem to do it.
2. Don't stop them in odd places (like, crossing the street, when they're obviously rushing, or stopping and striking up long conversations while they're with other people).
3. Don't interrupt them while a dinner, shows, etc. Places where they'd miss something if they stopped to have a long conversation with you.
Of course there are always going to be exceptions to these rules, but I think it's the most polite way to acknowledge someone while still NOT invading their "space".
I'd go so far as to say that I'm a pleasant enough person that it wouldn't be a HORRIBLE thing to talk to me for a few minutes, but people don't HAVE to because I don't obligate one to do it. I'm usually the hi & bye type myself so there's no pressure. It makes it even more confusing when I see someone who I used to hang out with on a pretty regular basis and they don't speak. Who does that? Can a sista get a wave? A head nod? Blink at me real fast so I know you saw me. Something. I totally get it if we were just passing acquaintances who really didn't speak to each other all that much. Those are the people that I expect not to put too much effort into speaking to me. I'm OK with that, I do it myself on occasion.
Now I'm re-evaluating my whole screening process. Who am I currently "friends" with that at the drop of hat are going to see me and just keep it moving like I'm a stranger on the street? Is it you? Or maybe you? *side eyeing everyone*
