Simply put, it's what happens when the human population in an area grows past a certain size - it fractures into sub-sections. It's not realistic to be intimate or even civil to thousands of people at once - there simply isn't enough time in a person's life. This causes people to become more selective in who they talk to. The other side-effect of a population exceeding a certain size is that people prone to wrongdoing also become more common, even if relatively speaking they're still very very rare. This also makes people more cautious about who they talk to.

The attitude you speak of using in your daily life, whilst admirable, either demonstrates ignorance of common ulterior motives for striking up a conversation with someone or that you have one. You may think this attitude is itself insanity, but ironically it exists as a first line of defense against the insane and the exploitative, of which we have all experienced a great deal of both since birth.

I guess you could just boil it down to cynicism as Velotix put it. I guess I'd say I know what you mean, from a different stance of course. No offense meant to anyone that is religious at all, but from where I live I just can't seem to get along with anyone religious in the real world (I have several online friends who happen to be christian though...... strangely enough..... ).

The reasoning behind that is simply because the moment someone finds out I don't subscribe to Christianity I instantly becomes this "disease" that must be cured. I understand the reasoning why, but the methods used are just too much for me (I've had several religious folks imply that I must be mentally ill due to my rejection of Christianity), its just to a point where I just have this nagging negative stigma concerning christianity. That's not to say everyone is like that, I've met several folks online that are good-natured people that are Christian, some even members of this forum! They're very nice people whom I respect very much.

But going back to reality, I am dead honest when I say that I can't help but feel like some outcast because of my own differences towards religion. I suppose that adds to a bit of hostility on my behalf whenever a discussion on religion occurs (I'll admit I'll be the first person to probably point out the many negatives before looking at anything positive). So I guess I understand what you're talking about.

Here's my own poorly worded thoughts on this...

Cities, unfortunately, are highly stressful places. And that's what I think this all stems from. As there are so many people bumping around in such a small space, they get fustrated. I don't think people naturally suit busy places, really. Not many can relax in chaos.

They might be worrying about something, such as their job or their family life or their financial stability. This can add quite a lot more stress into the mix.

The combination of these two can make people withdraw into their own little worlds while out and about, which of course causes them to be ignorant of what's going on around them. They simply won't notice that you were behind them when they go through a door, so won't think of holding it out for you, for instance.

After a while of everyone acting like this then people get used to it, and might be a little startled by someone actually taking the time of day to say hello.

If people are actually staring or laughing at you though, then that's another matter entirely. That just stems to this whole fitting in thing people are obsessed with. You have to fit a box, preferably a quite specific box, if people will readily accept you. Which is something I feel you should avoid anyway, cause I feel it's much better to be noticed than to blend into the background. For instance, as I'm quite plain, I own a pair of bright yellow boots! You need to embrace the person you are at all times, cause you are who you are any people will just have to get used to you like that. Changing yourself at all to fit in is a terrible thing to do.

Long story short, I don't think people are evil per say, I just think they're stressed and have a bucketload of ignorance towards pretty much everyone who isn't them.

(it's what happens when the human population in an area grows past a certain size - it fractures into sub-sections. It's not realistic to be intimate or even civil to thousands of people at once)

it's not to every single person but rather the appropriate time, like when you're in an elevator with a stranger or when you enter a shop, or when you get in a taxi. it's not nice to pretend that the person isn't there. just saying a simple hello is enough, and if you add a bit of light friendly chit chat if just for a few seconds that would be wonderful. the problem is i hardly see anyone trying to brighting up the other's day with a smile.
as for who replies a lot of people do smile back and talk.. older people usually even thank me for it.

(either demonstrates ignorance of common ulterior motives for striking up a conversation with someone or that you have one)

you won't say that if you saw my smile, i really think people's intentions are visable from their faces. besides even if a person is dangerous isn't saying hello harmless. you don't know, it might just fix people.

(The reasoning behind that is simply because the moment someone finds out I don't subscribe to Christianity I instantly becomes this "disease" that must be cured. I understand the reasoning why, but the methods used are just too much for me (I've had several religious folks imply that I must be mentally ill due to my rejection of Christianity)

<pats back> you are very accurate to bring up religion in the too much evil topic cause let's be honest most of evil comes from religion. even when religion has so many good commands that make people nicer to one another, everyone rushes to the hurtful part of hating which i still don't get why god put it there.

i think the worst evil is when they tell little children to hate.  so religion is on the evil side till it does its original concept and stick to worshiping god not hurting his creations.

(They might be worrying about something, such as their job or their family life or their financial stability. This can add quite a lot more stress into the mix)

that's when it's most important, when people are stressed and worried but then get an act of kindness wether a smile or a greeting, don't you think that would make them happy and ease their problems if just a little. i know it would for me, whenever i get a greeting i always smile cause its nice being concidered even for a second.

(After a while of everyone acting like this then people get used to it, and might be a little startled by someone actually taking the time of day to say hello)

that's what worries me, people getting used to being selfish, greetings are to make others happy it's like protecting yourself from being mean.
cause once people start thinking only of themselves they will start being mean and unconciderate to others feelings.

do you know why lots of people torment minorities? because they're not them. that's the whole issue, they wont get hurt so they keep being mean.
humans can be very evil when they're selfish. if you don't do kind things for others, you will let your heart grow caring only for yourself.

(If people are actually staring or laughing at you though, then that's another matter entirely. That just stems to this whole fitting in thing people are obsessed with)

oh no i was refering to job interviews about that...although my last name does give the same result..
but you know, a lot of people enjoy it when i greet them and talk to them, it's like they were waiting for someone to talk to them.
what makes me feel out of the loop is being the only one who approaches first.

(For instance, as I'm quite plain, I own a pair of bright yellow boots!)

i bet they look totally cute too. although i draw attention so don't worry about that. i just want to fit by finding people who are sociable and kind. you know i have no friends here.
it's terrible not being able to communicate with people.

(You need to embrace the person you are at all times, cause you are who you are any people will just have to get used to you like that. Changing yourself at all to fit in is a terrible thing to do)

you are sweet for saying that <hug> i know i can never change myself... me and my friend tried forever to try and fix my flaws.... but they're stuck to me, can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I think I am a good people reader too. Still though, most people don't expect to be read or communicated with, or even know about people who are comfortable reading others; and outside their home environment unless they've already "formally" met you somewhere like another one of their friend's homes or at school/work, they are usually surprised to be spoken to. What you said about the elderly appreciating it is true. They usually do. <3 There are people your age who are like you though, you need to wait for one of them to appear. :0 They are rare.

Mostly, people are afraid of strangers because anyone could be lying or dangerous.

Like Trudi said, don't change just to fit in.