Hello there!

Read the book "Blink" recently. That has influenced me to do some 'snap judgements' and 'thin slicing' about people and their nature. So here goes - my first attempt!

For this exercise, I chose to take up the single word "Hello" which the whole world uses to answer a phone call! To be frank, I did not analyze many people with this, but based on some observatons, I came up with a list.

There are some people whom you call up and there is this curt "Helo..." at the other end. Who-cares-a-damn attitude! Typical of people who consider themselves as superior human beings (in terms of god-knows-what) on this planet.

Then there is the other "Heloooo"! Full of surprise. You-called-after-so-long types! Most likely to be followed by some friendly swearing at you; and scolding you for calling after so long, but in a friendly manner!

There is also a perfect "Hello!" said in the perfect tone. I-am-composed types! Cool, composed and mature people. Good to talk with about serious subjects ;-)

Another one (and especially if the person at the other end has a caller ID) is "Heeeelooooww" Oh-I-am-so-happy-that-you-called type! Typical with cheerful people, people with whom you would generally enjoy talking with about any subject under the sun.

Lastly, the one which I hate the most is "..." or "hmmm..." and a pause waiting for you(!) to start the conversation. This is the category of people who think they are the living examples of ultimate perfection. One step ahead of the curt "helo.."'s. Like WTH! I mean you use your phone, you are the one who is being charged for your telephone bill, and the person at the other end would not even want to give away a decent "Hello" which does not cost them anything at all? :-) I would prefer to bang the phone down on such "hellos" oops "hmmm"'s :-)

Just a single word "Hello". Tells you so much about the person saying it. His mood, his attitude at the moment and a multitude other things!

Got to keep this thing going! Anybody got more examples?