John Forrest Tomlinson wrote:

Frank Krygowski wrote:

I've never known anyone to take offense from an unsolicited greeting.

I'm taking offense to being told it's rude not to respond.

You're from NYC, right? Taking umbrage is the traditional pastime
there, is it not?

Here in Central Texas it's customary to greet folks you encounter, and
reply when greeted. But we won't hold it against you if you don't;
we'll just assume you're a Yankee.

Chalo