There are many pluses to living in Oklahoma. Wide open spaces, cost of living, friendly people, rodeos, longhorn steer leading a Christmas parade. Close to the top of my list; people that wave at you.
This “waving” deal was an unexpected gift when we moved to Oklahoma. I pointed this observation out to one of my kids when it would happen. They could have been more impressed. “Seriously, they are waving at you! They don’t know who you are! They just became friends with you!”
It does resonate with me in this way. Coming from a state where this happens like…never. I think older California natives will find this a massive value. So, let’s break it down.
The waving happens in two places: walking on a sidewalk and driving in your car. Let’s cover car waving first.
A vehicle’s speed and the type of road are essential. Over 45 MPH, please don’t count on a wave unless it’s a two-lane country road. You’ll get the “one finger point” from the steering wheel in this situation. “I see you…how’s it goin’?”. When you reply in kind, you have a new friend for life. You might never see them again. But they are your friend for life.
You can also wave with more than one finger from your steering wheel. Use four fingers, leaving your thumb and hand on the wheel. This wave is used when allowing another car to pass on a crowded street in the opposite direction. This acknowledges helpfulness. They are your friend for life as well.
Sidewalk waves happen when you pass someone on the other side of the sidewalk. Waves like these are freestyle. Hand with maybe a “hi .”It’s really up to the two people. Yep, friends for life.
All of this hand-waving and friendship-building comes with some caution as well. Returning to California, you will get weird looks if you wave at people. “Do I know you?”, “What do you want from me?”. Don’t worry; you’ll be returning home to Oklahoma soon enough.
LA2OKC 