It is such a simple act, but its message carries a feeling of friendliness, connection and respect.

I grew up in a neighborhood and time very similar to that of the TV series, The Wonder Years. It was not unusual for folks to wave to each other if they saw each other, whether driving, standing in the driveway, walking down the sidewalk. People waved. In the mid-‘70s, I became with the less friendly one-finger wave while jogging. Back in those days, jogging was new and runners were considered odd so we heard honking and witnessed middle-finger salutes.  Conditions weren’t always friendly when running along the side of the road, but they were still pleasant in the suburban neighborhood.

Nowadays, I’m not running through the neighborhood, but walking. One of the many pleasures of these walks are the frequent exchange of waves. I always wave to drivers who give me a bit extra room by moving over as they drive by. Some drivers wave before I get a chance. Drivers and passengers in golf carts wave. Even people who probably have a lot on their minds – like the thin woman with the sunken cheeks and the scarf covering her head – wave. They may not all smile, but they wave.  Typically, very few don’t.

I love to wave and I love to be waved at. It feels friendly. Neighborly. Connected. Basically, it is the exact opposite of the news and social media.

I walk to get in better condition and to hopefully extend my years in good health. The walks improve my mood, too, and waving plays a large part of that for me, and, I think, for others, too.

Let’s wave more. You’ll love it, and others will, too.