Talking with others

I'm totally OK with that.  I don't find it hard to recognize that behavior as someone's norm, and I have no difficulty reacting as they would expect.

@ben2world , you made some interesting observations. But I think they also apply to neighborhoods and the blend of cultures within. My neighborhood used to be friendly, people helped each other. Then came the real estate collapse, recession, drop in housing prices, and departure of the people who had lived here for quite some time. Newcomers have a different approach. Some keep doors shut all the time, don't even answer doors when a neighbor knocks, have bars installed on doors and sometimes windows, and scowl when I've smiled at them just to be polite.

A few years ago I accidentally locked myself out of my house and car, knocked on 6 neighbor's' doors, cars in garage, sounds in their houses suggesting someone was home, but only 2 would answer their doors.

There's a different type of people entirely now.

I've never met a stranger. Ever. Anywhere. (My mother tells me she was worried about me getting kidnapped as a child because of it!) In the Deep South, where I live, it would be considered extremely rude not to say hello or acknowledge someone you pass on a trail or even on a street.

Don't feel confused Amy as you are not alone. The way we humans communicate with others is of the highest order of complexity much of which is below a conscious level. The way strangers react in passing along backcountry trails mirrors behaviors in our everyday lives. The ability to make conversation with strangers has two sides and place. A wise person will know when to go beyond a simple smile or hi, or after initiating conversation when it ought end. Much has to do with subtle non-verbal communication cues as well as what the other person has to say. For some it is wise to be reserved saying little beyond a friendly interchange. Others may immediately recognize the other person as friendly and talkative allowing relaxed conversation to flow where it may.

Although some people may have the gift to talk, not all who do are perceptive how other persons are receiving what they say nor listen effectively when others speak. Ben2W also made a good point in cultural differences. Today in American society given the recent decades mixing of emigrants and immigrants we are in the midst of a diverse multicultural melting pot experiment of such cultural difference. What to say, when, and how to say whatever is not always obvious. Thus your tact of limiting communication has value. Though for others with strong communication skills there are more friendly and acceptable options.

David

Respectfully, after reading through this post, the answer seems pretty obvious.
Trouble talking with strangers? Just ask them how they are doing. From all the "I" responses read above, it seems that everybody likes to talk about themselves...at length. I did this; I did that; I think; I feel; I'm never; I accidentally...I,I,I.
Maybe make it about them to start out?

On the trail I'll always at least wave, and usually share about conditions (trail, weather).  Never know when someone is in a hurry though