A Wave

In the last few days I have noticed waves. No not the kind that of wave that is in the ocean or a lake even though I had the pleasure of riding over a few last week at my sisters, but the hand gesture we use for a multitude of purposes.

First there is the frantic wave you use to try and get someone’s attention. On the aircraft last week I wanted to get the flight attendants attention without being too obnoxious and tried waving at her instead of pressing the call button. She was oblivious, now maybe it was the fact that on both flights last week the flight attendants were all old enough to retire or maybe she just didn’t care. Then of course there is the times when I was sitting in traffic backed up to make a left turn and I saw friends coming down the road in the opposite direction and I hung out the window and waving trying to get their attention as they drove by. Sorry to say I was only successful one out of three tries.

Another wave is the subtle wave that motorcyclist use as they pass each other. Now it wouldn’t be cool if you actually stuck your hand up in the air, no it is one where they pull their left hand off of the handle bars, drop it down straight at their side and then slightly lift the hand as the other rider going in the opposite direction does the same.

Or how about the goof ball in the car in front of you that has just cut you off from three lanes over and they wave. Now is that wave in appreciation for you not running into them when they make an airhead move or is it really not appreciation but a wave of ‘oh I really screwed up’?

One that makes me laugh is the guy that merges into traffic and then rolls down his window sticks out waves. Ok, is it just because I learned to drive in Michigan where I will admit we are much more aggressive drivers, but isn’t it the law that you are suppose to allow cars to merge at an on-ramp?

Or how about the wave you have to give the kids as you leave its all about ‘bye bye’ and if you forget you may find yourself returning just to get that wave in.

A wave used to be pretty commonplace in our culture; it was a sign of recognition and greeting. I challenge you to try and wave at 10 people today. See if they return that wave or they look at you like your nuts. Are you brave enough to try it?