I spent two weeks waving at strangers

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Boston author Miles Howard conducted a two-week experiment waving to strangers in the city to see if this simple gesture could create social connection similar to the close-knit waving culture of Vinalhaven, Maine. His findings revealed that responses varied by location and context, suggesting that small acts like waving can foster community and goodwill even in urban environments where anonymity is common.

Miles Howard, a Boston-based author and journalist, embarked on a two-week social experiment to explore the simple act of waving to strangers in the city. Inspired by the regional custom of greeting passersby with a wave on Vinalhaven, an island in Maine known for its lobstering community, Howard sought to determine whether this small gesture could foster a sense of connection in an urban environment.

On Vinalhaven, waving is a common, often nuanced form of communication among drivers and pedestrians, with residents reportedly able to recognize individuals by their distinctive wave styles. Alison Thibault, a local artist and jewelry store owner, described the complexity of the island’s wave language, noting that many residents develop personalized gestures, such as her own peace sign wave, symbolizing goodwill.

Bringing this practice back to Boston, Howard deliberately greeted strangers at traffic lights, crosswalks, and on bike paths like the Minuteman Bikeway and the Somerville Community Path. Aware that his stature—standing 6-foot-4—and gender might influence how his gestures were received, he took precautions by following advice from writer and photographer Hannah Truby. Truby pointed out the importance of context, safety, and shared activity in determining when a wave is appropriate, particularly for women and in isolated areas.

Howard’s initial attempts yielded mixed results; about half the cyclists he greeted responded with waves, nods, or bell rings. Pedestrian reactions varied depending on location, with more positive exchanges occurring near less crowded areas such as the Boston Harborwalk and the Jamaica Pond path. Conversely, busier streets like Commonwealth Avenue in Allston proved less receptive.

The experiment highlighted how social contexts influence willingness to engage in brief acknowledgments. Matt Jablonski, a climate resilience expert familiar with Vinalhaven, linked the act of waving to broader community-building efforts, emphasizing that such small gestures can cultivate cohesion and goodwill.

After two weeks of ongoing attempts, Howard reported that the practice demanded a conscious mental effort but ultimately provided a sense of connection amidst the anonymity of city life. While uncertain how long he will continue the experiment, he expressed a commitment to maintaining this small but meaningful form of human interaction during times of societal strain.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.