I encounter few people at the gym at 4 am. I don't as a rule socialize with anyone. Do my lifts and get out in about an hour. For the last two years there is one woman that trains at the same time. She is attractive and fit. Usually she has earphones in and keeps to herself. She has approached me once to ask if I was using a bench. My answer was brief, "All yours." There is no ritual good morning or good bye between us. I don't make eye contact with her or anyone else. I keep my distance, do my business and leave.

I had come in earlier my last visit and was leaving as she was entering the gym. To enter/leave there are a pair of sub-way turnstiles. She is in one, I hit the release and enter the other and she says "Good morning." I don't know if she attempted eye contact, smiled or anything. I wasn't expecting a greeting. I was eyes forward and out the door with a return "morning" as I cleared the turnstile. Didn't look back.

I know some women are conditioned to offer a smile or a greeting if you make eye contact or are face to face. None of these criteria were present. Early morning, 2 strangers passing by, 5 seconds or less, no eye contact, no expectation/need to say anything. Two years of silence - why break the pattern? Thought it was odd.