by Toadee

Created on: April 28, 2010   Last Updated: April 30, 2010

Have you ever waved at someone from a distance only to realise that it wasn’t your friend but a perfect stranger? Embarrassing isn’t it?

But just stop a moment. Has anyone ever done that to you? How did it make you feel?

When driving or out walking, people, usually children, sometimes wave at me or smile, and it really does brighten up my day. I know that when I have returned the favour, faces brighten up. My job is driving, and I have noticed that if I wave at people in passing cars or smile in traffic jams, people immediately perk up (so what if they think I’m a little crazy?)

There is no doubt that being the recipient of such positive attention makes you feel good, it tells you that you have worth and that you are a person worthy of attention.

The act of waving will also make you feel good. For a moment you ‘touch’ another human being, You do something worthy and know that by your actions you make someone happier. It’s all good karma!

If you are still here, it’s entirely possible that you are tempted to give it a go, Well, I hope so, anyway.

There is no right or wrong way to do this, like clothing, different styles suit different people. Perhaps you are an outgoing, bubbly person who will approach this task with energy and be larger than life. That's great, lots of grinning and a massive two-handed wave. If you are a little bit more reserved, you might want to try a small ‘at the wrist’ wave, perhaps accompanied by a shy glance and a quick smile. This one can make people feel more comfortable, and there may be a better chance of getting a reciprocal wave. In the final analysis, it isn't vitally important how you wave, just that you do. But your wave should be genuinely friendly for the feel-good factor to work for the recipient and you.

When you become a waver, you not only endeavour to wave but also to encourage and invite waving. To this end, it is perfectly acceptable to put a sign in the back of your car or on the side window, (where it won’t obscure your view,) asking people to wave. Wording such as ‘Wave as you pass me’ or ‘You wave – I smile’ seems to work.

There is a paradox in the exercise of waving at strangers in that it is necessary to wave as though there are no strangers.

Safety note: I wish it weren't necessary to say this, but although I advocate maintaining a friendly demeanour at all times, it is safer to do this from the security of a vehicle or whilst with a large group, (actually that’s fun,) because an innocent wave or a friendly smile can be taken as an invitation to a higher level of intimacy by some maladjusted members of society.

Finally, I invite you all to join me in making a wave that will swamp the world with happiness.

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