I don't know if this is done all over the U.S., but in the Washington, D.C. area I've noticed this cute little habit I call the Silent Salute.
The Silent Salute is when someone is passing you on the street or in a hallway, wherever, and they nod and mouth "Hello" or "Morning." They don't say it out loud. Just the nod and the mouthing of the word.
I remember when I first noticed the Silent Salute. Several years ago, one of my sisters and I were walking along the very busy K Street, NW near Connecticut Avenue. We were surrounded by people in varying shades of gray and navy blue who had that "I'm rushing to somewhere important" energy. My sister, who seems to notice every human quirk great and small, started chuckling when someone did it to her. She told me what happened, and I found myself noticing it everywhere!
Recently, I noticed that I give the Silent Salute. Oh no! So my First Quarter Resolution was to add volume. Stop the Silent Salute! I've been trying it for the last couple of days. It's surprisingly easy, and people seem to genuinely perk up.
That's my challenge to you. Care enough to add volume. The next time you decide to say "Hello" to someone, actually SAY it!
