WHAT DO YOU SAY AFTER YOU SAY "HELLO"?
The world is getting ready to open up; at least that part of the world located between Canada and Central America is peering closely at the calendar, looking for an appropriate day to declare, “We’re open again!” There are going to be celebrations. We’ll be meeting in indoor spaces, maybe in smallish groups to start with, where those of us who have been vaccinated will feel safe. Chances are you'll be invited to a few gatherings where you'll have to introduce yourself to strangers. Suddenly, the big question is: “New people? I’m out of practice! What do I say after I say, "Hello, my name is..."? Do I even say, My name is... or just stop at "Hello"?” Or like many of us, should I wait for the other guy to say, "Hello, my name is..." and hope he'll just keep on talking while I think of something clever to reply?