At what point did we develop as a society where making eye contact was considered provocative?

It's fucking insane that I could be sat in a car, or a bus, or in the pub, where the mere glance upward at someone is met with hostility.

How did this happen?

A smile from me, as polite as that is, can also be construed as inflammatory these days.

Madness.

This is just *British* culture -- god knows how this is for other countries.

I hope it's not the same.

@thomasadam general lack of social trust is actually a major under discussed issue in Britain, imo

@theTangentSpace Indeed. I'm in my early 40s. I am used to holding the door open for people, etc. Even that's considered "unusual" by some.

For me, it's just routine politeness.