Things That Make You Go Hmmm

I’d like to muse on a subject I find quite hilarious.  I have always wondered….what is the optimal distance when approaching someone you know from the opposite direction to say hello?  If you start too soon you have to yell and therefore sound like an idiot.  If you do get your point across there is the possibility that you could run out of things to say before you actually pass the person which is extremely awkward also.  However….if you say hello too late then you may appear rude when you say “good how are you?” and the person has already passed.  It’s also difficult (this happened to me today) when I saw a neighbor who saw me back but was outside the optimal distance for a hello so we both clearly held off and exchanged uncomfortable glances until we were close enough to start and finish our greetings.  This whole experience although lasting only a few seconds caused me much anxiety.