Noteworthy: Stay cheery, we never know what someone else is going through

By Bruce Penton on January 10, 2024.

It’s always a treat to verbally engage with fellow walkers while out on Medicine Hat’s walking trails. The smiles, the fellowship, the realization that we’re both enjoying the activity and the fresh air.

But once in a while – rarely, actually – approaching walkers turn their heads away. No response from a cheery ‘hello’ … just a look-straight-ahead, no-eye-contact, don’t-talk-to-me response. Makes me wonder: Why so sad?

Well, registered psychologist Dr. Linda Hancock may have some answers.

“We can never really know exactly what is going on in people’s heads – even if we ask,” said the friendly doc. “Sometimes they won’t tell us or maybe don’t even have enough self-awareness to know!”

“Often the body language gives us hints, though. Some people have physical pain and may even be out walking, not because they want to but because their doctor told them that they have to do this. Mobility and chronic pain can be issues. Others might be distracted by worry. Perhaps they are preoccupied with thoughts of illness or death that has recently occurred in family or friend groups. Did they recently receive a diagnosis that they are struggling with.”

“Culture can also play a role in this,” she said. “Many Indigenous groups, for example, were taught that looking directly at people is a sign of disrespect so they lower their eyes. And, of course, there are always those who are suspicious and likely avoid eye contact or communication because they are afraid that you might not have their best interests in mind. (Better to avoid than engage).”

So, to sum up, those 0.5 per cent of walkers who don’t say hello probably aren’t just grumpy. They may have unseen issues that are bothering them. Maybe a cheery hello from a fellow walker might brighten their day, so I’ll continue to do so.

– We’ve had a couple of nice little dumps of snow since New Year’s Day, and probably more to come. We can’t go a whole winter without a few big dumps of the white stuff, can we?

– Which brings up the matter of snow removal. Without a lot of snow, those companies in the business of snow-clearing might be in for a quiet, non-profitable winter. But if you’re a business person, do you sign up with a company for snow removal services and pay them ‘X’ amount per storm? Or do you pay a larger price up front and have the company clean your parking lot and sidewalks whenever snow happens to fall?

It’s a bit like buying life insurance. You never know when you’re going to need it, but you should probably have it. Having a pre-storm arrangement for same-day snow removal makes sense, but what’s best – a per-storm payment or start-of-season guarantee that your parking lot and sidewalks will be cleared whenever snow falls?

And while the City of Medicine Hat went approximately $100,000 over budget this past year on its snow-removal program, chances appear good it will come in under budget for the current year, judging by the lack of snowfall through December.

– That front-page story last week about the woman and her dog being rescued from the icy water of the South Saskatchewan River brought back memories of a similar situation about a year ago – but that one hit close to home as it involved family members.

This particular event involved two dogs and two owners. Only one of the dogs could swim. Both dogs fell into the water after the ice gave way. An in-river rescue occurred. Everyone got out safely, but it could have been a tragedy.

Dogs are unpredictable, as the story pointed out. Leash your pets when near the riverbank. Advice in the story said to call 911 and let professional rescue personnel take over, but things happen so fast that waiting for the arrival of professionals might be too late.

– What do you want first? The good news or bad news? Well, let’s start with the bad news. According to a recent News story, utility fees for the average Hat homeowner will rise about $11 in 2024. So should we storm city hall and demand a reduction? Hmmm, maybe not. Because in another story in the same issue of the paper, it was revealed that prices in January for gas and electricity are well below past levels. So we can cancel the storming of city hall.