Can people say thanks when I run into the road for them?

[Fizzysours]

I am a runner and going out once a day. I try to choose a quieter time. I ALWAYS run into the road to give pedestrians of any age plenty of safe space. It's usually really obvious to see that I have done this as our area is fairly quiet. A quarter of people say thanks or a cheery morning. By 'thanks' I mean a smile, a raised hand or ANYTHING. It would be nice if more people could manage the tiny pleasantries that make everyone's day a bit friendlier, especially when we are all so divided?

Over my years on Mumsnet, I’ve learned that even if you stop to allow someone to walk around a puddle, it is not necessary for them to thank you. We must have compassion for other’s social anxiety which sometimes means a person is unable to make eye contact with you, never mind give verbal recognition or thanks.

The majority of runners don't thank me for getting my dogs to sit and wait, rather than chase them
I'm quite nervous of dogs and I usually stop /walk if I am unsure whether a dog is likely to run near me or jump. Often an owner will call them and I always thank them as I pass

The majority of runners don't thank me for getting my dogs to sit and wait, rather than chase them

In what world would letting your dogs chase runners ever be ok? All dogs should be under control, always.

I do thank people who are clearly making an effort for my benefit - like moving dogs or themselves aside while I pass. Just because it's nice and neighbourly, to be nice.

But there is no middle gound on this one. Anyone who would allow even the possibility of their dogs chasing after runners, walkers, children or sheep (oh I know, he's so well trained, always comes when called and has never done it before... until the first time he sees a sheep) is an irresponsible toss-pot who should not own dogs.

And yes, to come full circle, the same applies to runners, who should not be chasing after or crashing into anyone, or any sheep, either.

I have just come back from my walk and it really does feel like the need for social distancing has lost its meaning.

There were numerous picnics happening (usually young people and I doubt they are all living together as the groups were large). I was nearly hit by a cyclist who was a good 50 metres behind his child and decided that he would ignore the cycle path that was separated from the footpath by the foot of grass. He, like his child before him, did not leave any space despite the whole path being 6 metres wide and I was to the left hand side.

But again, it is the couples and families walking and cycling together that simply do not break formation to allow social distancing.

It's just thoughtless, self-absorbed and self-important people, isn't it?

When we went out for a family bike ride the other day, we were in single file and constantly moving over, waiting etc. The people with least regard for SD on our route were a group of three, not particulalry young men, walking three-abreast along a path that, while wide, is not three men + 2m wide.