Old-ish man on the route to the Co-op who keeps saying hello

[RogueFemale]

I moved house last week and already have noticed this man. He lives on the short (7m) walking route to the local Co-Op. He's maybe mid 60s, tall, heavy build. He is always standing outside his front door, and he loudly says hello every time I go past. I ignore him.

I'm 60 and am used to being invisible.

So it's not a leering hello. I also thought maybe it was accidental he was standing outside before, or something, and just a cheery 'local' hello.

But I went past twice today (to Co-Op) and he was there both times, hello-ing, and I'm finding it quite weird, that he's always standing outside his front door.

I'm going to be going to the local Co-Op a lot, so what do I do?

AIBU to continue to ignore him and just doggedly go past for years pretending he's not there?

I'm not sure it's him who's ill

You could just wave if you don't want to speak.Poor guy. That might make his day.

Just say, "Top of the Morning to you, Sir," as you are walking.
Treat him like an elderly gentleman.

If the elderly man becomes pushy or over familiar in conversation, walk faster and tell him that his jumper reminds you of your Grandpa.

He sounds like someone all the locals would know. Ask about, and if he does become a danger, speak to Police or walk on the otherside of the road.

Unlikely, I'm not in the UK. I would definitely speak to your DH if I did see him though. 😀

My late DF would say "Hello" to everyone we passed when we were out walking (and presumably also when he was walking alone) to try to get them to respond.

This.

It's obvious you're not northern OP lol.

As I've just posted my late DF would say "Hello" to everyone he passed on a walk to try and get them to respond. He would probably look upon you as a challenge - and he was one of the loveliest, gentle, men you could meet.

Sorry OP, but the only one coming across as not completely normal here is actually you.

There are always #bekind twatbags telling women to ignore their wants, needs and instincts in order not to hurty the menz feels. Of course you don't have to speak to unknown men if you don't want to. I'd just go a longer route.

My pleasure.

I didn't say it was, I said he could be and it's kind to say hello back. You don't have to tell him your whole life story.

It might be kind but the OP clearly doesn't want to engage, as is her right to do so

My dad had a friend who sat in his front garden all day, saying hello to passers by, chatting with those he knew a bit better.

You say the Coop is seven metres away, surely you can only take a few seconds to walk past him?

You have two choice: respond, or don't. Neither really matters, do whichever you prefer.

If not responding makes you feel bad (which I somehow doubt, given your responses) maybe wear headphones.

Honestly, we've all seen lonely locals who do this. It's quite normal. You, on the other hand, are sounding weirder with each post.

Indeed. It's another one of those that goes :

OP: AIBU?
MN: Yes you are
OP: No I am not

When I go to the shops early every one says good morning and I say it back, I think its lovely. I'm 70 and don't feel invisable and never have

He sounds lonely. He probably stands outside for some human interaction and to see what’s going on in the world. I’d just say ‘hello’ and give a big warm smile.

Funny what people like that will do for attention.

Shitpost on MN. Stand in their own garden chatting to their neighbours.

That is a bit of a leap.

Just say hello.🙄

How has no one twigged yet that there is definitely a creepy bloke involved here.

But it isn't the supposed chap saying hello.

I don't think you'll have to worry about many men going after you with your attitude..what a horrible person you are.

Are you this scared of everything in your life?

Imagine if you see the same cat a few times, it'd be a catastrophe!

God yeah, don't speak to the mentally ill. You might catch it.
Ignore them, or spit at him.

Just say hello. Job done.
Why are you making such a drama out of it??