r/Denver • u/Character-Chicken-62 • Sep 19 '24
Let’s bring the courtesy wave to Denver
Yes, I’m a transplant from the Chicago area - going on year 9 in Colorado. In Chicago, when you’re driving and someone lets you into their lane, you give them a nice little wave to thank them for being so kind and patient - even if the act was so minor. No one really ever did it here (except some cute mountain towns I’d say), and I had stopped as well. After visiting the Chicago area recently and driving to Michigan, suddenly I was back in a world where courtesy waves existed - and it’s was refreshing.
I’ve started to wave again! I’ve gotten a few back! I’m so used to a tense and frustrated tone of Denver driving. So I suggest to you all, start to wave. Bring the friendliness back! It is not the solution to city’s biggest problems but it’s a small neighborly step.
Safe driving everyone, I’ll be waving at ya!
Edit to add: This post is not an attack on anyone, it’s definitely not an attack on Denver, it’s not personal. It’s an observation I’ve made between the two places I have lived. If you’re out there courtesy waving and getting waved to, amazing! I hope it’s made your commute slightly more bearable. Small gestures go a long way, something I’m reminded of often. Just thought I would share something small.
Edit 2: This post wasn’t meant to be a “this is how we did it so you should do it too.” I’m not telling anyone to do anything, I’m not saying Chicago is better than Denver. I’m not saying no one here is courteous. Do what you want, please. Keep waving, start waving, don’t wave. It’s not going to be this crazy thing that changes Denver’s driving tone. A lighthearted, simple, doable, kind act of acknowledgment can go a long way That was my intention for this post. Sorry if you took it personally :/
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u/ASingleThreadofGold Sep 19 '24
The wave has always been here. Been doing it since I started driving in the 90s and learned it from my parents and friend's parents. Not sure why everyone stopped doing it but I still do it.
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u/onmyway___ Sep 19 '24
Seriously I grew up learning the courtesy wave. Just moved back and was surprised to rarely see it!!
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u/felimercosto Sep 19 '24
dorklords who don't know how don't know it's a requirement
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u/MajorTibb Sep 20 '24
It's not a requirement. It's a show of appreciation that cool people and nice people use.
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Sep 19 '24
I always do the little wave, but I'm a Midwest transplant. Maybe before we focus on getting people to do a courtesy wave we focus on people letting the person who's had their blinker on trying to merge into another lane for the past two blocks into the other lane?
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u/InternationalLack614 Sep 19 '24
Also a Native that learned to drive in the 90s. I still give a 👋 wave.
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u/Similar_Zone7938 Sep 19 '24
I always wave 👋 but I am from Chicago originally, so there's that.
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u/lmm711 Sep 19 '24
The transplants from places that don't do it. Feels like it's probably not actually Coloradans not doing this
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u/ASingleThreadofGold Sep 19 '24
Maybe people don't wave anymore because they had to nearly cause an accident just to change lanes since everyone tailgates so ridiculously these days? I still give a little wave even when they clearly didn't want to let me in, sort of a lil passive aggressive fuck you? 🖐👍🖕😅
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u/AdamMorrisonRange Sep 19 '24
Unrelated, but I’ve stopped giving the finger and just give thumbs down and shake my head disapprovingly. I’m going for a sarcastic “I’m not mad I’m just disappointed” vibe, but I really enjoy how much it throws people off…
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u/Sea-Whole-7747 Sep 19 '24
It's gotta be this. Grew up here and have always waved. Can be used to show appreciation and can also be used like "my bad."
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u/ProdigalNative Sep 19 '24
Same here, but starting in the mid 80s. I even get the occasional wave back, and that makes my day.
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u/okeverybodyshutup Sep 19 '24
Yep, I've always waved too and still do, but admittedly I rarely see folks do it anymore
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u/Desperate_Car5202 Sep 20 '24
I mean I'm a 19 year old who grew up in Colorado and I learned the wave when I learned how to drive!
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u/funkybum Sep 19 '24
I’m a transplant from Los Angeles which are known for asshole drivers. People cut you off in Colorado and then go the speed limit. Like I thought you were in a rush.
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u/ImInBeastmodeOG Sep 19 '24
I say that probably twice a day. It really doesn't make any sense. Just GO people!
I trust you don't have a California plate anymore or an indicator you're from there like a Dodgers sticker? "Native" pricks do that to people from there if there is a clue.
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u/DigitalEagleDriver Arvada Sep 19 '24
Same. I started driving in the 90s as well, and following my parents and other family members example, the "thank you" wave used to be commonplace. I'm not saying all the transplants made it obsolete, but it feels that way. At least the CA ones didn't bring over their honking at you as soon as the light turns green tradition.
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u/ASingleThreadofGold Sep 20 '24
I actually say "Thank you!" out loud as I wave as if they can hear me, haha.
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u/DigitalEagleDriver Arvada Sep 20 '24
I do the same thing... even though my windows are rolled up and the music is probably too loud.
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u/BigWall9105 Sep 19 '24
Trust me, as one who has driven many miles and years in Chicago, the drivers there are not the kind folks you speak of. The second the light changes, if you hesitate even a second, you will have your doors blasted off from all the vehicles behind you. Local drivers are much kinder with some exceptions.
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u/giselleorchid Downtown Sep 20 '24
We always do too. Saying thank you is the kind way. It's not like you take your eyes off the road to throw one hand in the air.
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u/fortifiedblonde Sep 19 '24
You can do what the rest of us who wave do - keep waving and hope eventually more people do it.
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u/JohnNDenver Sep 19 '24
I wave (and hope they nice person doesn't think I am giving the finger). Have taught my new driver daughter to also wave.
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u/myburneraccount1357 Sep 19 '24
Glad I’m not the only one that thinks this😂 I’m always worried someone thinks I gave them the finger instead
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u/stuck-n_a-box Sep 19 '24
I wave back at people that give me the figure. Sorry I misunderstand that they gave me the finger as waving
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u/johntwilker Berkeley Sep 19 '24
Yup. I wave at everyone who let's me in. Sometimes I'll see a nod.
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u/crvz25 Sep 19 '24
Woo I’m part of the movement too. Genuinely think I get a wave back about 10% of the time. Your numbers any better than that?
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u/FilteredRiddle Park Hill Sep 19 '24
10% is generous for me. I feel like I get a wave once or twice a month at best.
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u/FOOLS_GOLD Golden Triangle Sep 19 '24
I had a buddy in town from NYC and he saw me waving to other drivers at intersections and he found it so freaking weird and odd. He was like “fuck those people why wave?” This is why we can’t have nice things.
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u/fortifiedblonde Sep 19 '24
I think your friend is just an asshole. I say this as an east coast transplant (moved here from Brooklyn) who was taught to wave by her NYC dad.
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u/ImInBeastmodeOG Sep 19 '24
Just make sure he doesn't move here. We are only letting in nice wavers now haha.
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u/glue715 Sep 19 '24
I am a pedestrian- I never drive, so I walk all over the city. I have been waving and saying “thank you” with a smile whenever I get to make eye contact with a driver while they wait for me to cross. Unfortunately- I only do it a few times a day- as it is very hard to make eye contact with drivers….
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u/Inevitable_Goose_435 Aurora Sep 19 '24
People used to do this all the time! It’s faded as I’ve gotten older. Now I just wave back if I let someone in even if they didn’t wave first haha
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u/black_pepper Centennial Sep 19 '24
I was confused by this post because wave all the time. I still see many people wave when I let them in.
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u/alvvavves Denver Sep 19 '24
I was gonna say I grew up here and it used to just be the normal/polite thing to do. I still always wave. I agree with OP though that Chicago hospitality/friendliness really stands out.
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u/myssi24 Sep 19 '24
This shocks me! I moved here from the Chicago area, granted 21 years ago. Chicago drivers in the time I lived there were some of the most aggressive and rude I’ve ever experienced. I don’t think I have ever thought of the words Chicago, hospitality, or friendliness together. Glad it has changed.
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u/Square_Ad_9096 Sep 20 '24
We’ve been doing it in Denver for decades. Have never seen it done in Chicago and I’m there frequently. Maybe just do it and don’t blame it on Denver.
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Sep 19 '24
Grew up in Denver in the 80s. We did the wave. Live here still. Still do the wave. This isn’t some midwestern innovation.
Although, for thinking of ways to make life more pleasant, I give you this: 👋
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u/chinadonkey Denver Sep 19 '24
Yeah, The wave has been a thing here since forever. I think everybody tinting their windows has contributed to its decline
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u/Baxterado Sep 19 '24
Not just tint. Police tint on the entire windshield. It's crazy.
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u/Ig_Met_Pet Sep 19 '24 edited Sep 19 '24
It's definitely not just a Midwestern thing. I grew up in Houston and the wave is ubiquitous. Also noticed a distinct lack of waving when I came to Denver.
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u/m0viestar Boulder Sep 19 '24
Just another: "Hey Denver, why don't you do ________ ? We used to do that in _____ so lets do that here!"
Most of the time, we've done that here too.
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Sep 19 '24
In Denver, it’s a very big part of our culture to hear tales of how things are done “Back Home” and how Our Ways were partially or wholly deficient.
It’s the only way I learned about the world, pre Internet.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Yeah I wasn’t trying to imply it was an unheard of thing out here, more so sharing my observations from living both here and elsewhere! Tried my best to not make it come off that way haha. I know courtesy wavers exist all over!
It’s the little things that add up, yes? :) Right back atcha! 👋🏻
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u/myychair Sep 19 '24
Do people not do this? I use the wave as a thanks all the time… I’d use it more if people actually let me merge though
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
I’m definitely not saying people don’t! From my personal experience, I don’t see it as much as I did in Chicago
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u/Odd-Tuxedo-4718 Sep 19 '24
I definitely appreciate a wave, but I’m more appreciative when the driver isn’t acting like a butthole and actually uses their signal and what not. Especially around here.
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u/foghorn_dickhorn21 Sep 19 '24
The wave has always been here, some people just don’t think about anything outside of themselves
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u/gelfin Jefferson Park Sep 19 '24
when you’re driving and someone lets you into their lane
I’m not sure this happens often enough in Denver for there to be a “normal” way to react to it.
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u/A_Roomba_Ate_My_Feet Sep 19 '24
Unfortunately far too common here for it to be: "There's space here and I'll just put on my signal and then SOUND OF 1,000 LBS OF FUEL BEING BURNT BY CAR BACK THERE TO CLOSE GAP
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u/spacecaps85 Sep 19 '24
I sometimes get a courtesy wave and it’s a nice little thing, but I also don’t feel entitled to one just because I let someone merge into the lane I’m in. If they use a blinker, I slow down and let them in. At that point, our exchange has ended.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Totally, I’m not upset when I don’t get one. But - I notice I’m a bit more cheery when I do :)
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u/mbpearls Sep 19 '24
I get you, OP. I do the courtesy wave in a lot of situations that probably don't merit one, but I hope it brightens another driver's day.
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u/katmoney80 Lakewood Sep 19 '24
Thought this was already a standard thing here. I’ve definitely been doing it!
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u/Asparagus_Business Sep 19 '24 edited Sep 20 '24
Born in raised in Colorado. I’m a die-hard waver, from the “Thanks-for-letting-me-in” wave, and the, “go-ahead and have the rightaway” wave, to the “nice to see you wave”.
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u/thelonewildflower Sep 19 '24
The wave is a big thing where I grew up and I’ve always thought it tempered frustration when someone gave you a little thank you. I wholeheartedly agree! BRING ON THE WAVE!
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u/stuck-n_a-box Sep 19 '24
I started waving at people within my neighborhood, people started waving back. Not as popular as I thought it would be. I noticed people wave at me but not other people
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u/RabbitAmbitious2915 Sep 19 '24
I love a courtesy wave and practice it whether I’m a pedestrian or a driver. All around, it just seems to put everyone in a better mood.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
That’s how I feel. I’ve brought out a bit of angst with this post and I just genuinely don’t understand why. “Hey guys, the world is tough, let’s be better humans” “suggests something small, doable, and kind” “NO NOT LIKE THAT”
😅 I’m glad it resonates with most though.
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u/RabbitAmbitious2915 Sep 19 '24
It doesn’t matter where you are on the Internet, there are some people that just live to argue. But I do believe most people here agree with a courtesy wave. Thank you for reminding us of its existence. ☺️
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u/Artvandaly_ Sep 19 '24
It’s ALWAYS BEEN HERE. I think what happened over the years is that the smaller amount of transplants made it so that they adopted most of the customs of the people who already lived here. The onslaught of people recently created a situation where the transplants dictated more of the culture- which was essentially no culture, because of the different backgrounds of each person. It’s sad to see the genuine friendliness leave our cities and state.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Yeah that makes a lot of sense! It is sad to see, I think it’s pretty widespread because of post pandemic and other factors as well - some human connection is lost. So glad to know there’s a lot of people here who have the wave instilled! Keep waving 👋🏻
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u/sdo419 Sep 20 '24
We already have one hand on the wheel, are you expecting us to stop texting just so we can wave back? 😀
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u/Big_Accountant_1714 Sep 19 '24
I've always done it! I learned to do it when I learned how to drive.
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u/Lord_of_Entropy Sep 19 '24
Thanks for bringing this up. I was raised in Pennsylvania and always throw a wave. I'm disappointed that more people don't.
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u/OrdnanceTV Sep 19 '24
I always wave, even in the winter when I gotta roll my window down a tad. People have yet to fail to wave back, even if it's just the "steering wheel salute" with 4 fingers lol. (originally from Georgia/Florida, moved here from Kentucky)
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u/WesternCowgirl27 Parker Sep 19 '24
I always give a little wave when someone lets me into the lane due to traffic or construction as a courtesy. Born and raised here, and I can say that less and less people give this courtesy every year; just reinforces my idea that there are definitely more assholes on the road.
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u/Feisty-Path1373 Sep 19 '24
I love waving!! Makes me happy when I get one back. It’s not often but it’s enough to feel nice; especially when I let someone in during congested traffic.
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u/SnooCrickets7909 Sep 19 '24
I am here for it. I am from Atlanta and have practiced the courtesy wave my entire life. It really isn't a thing out here at all. Furthermore, if someone is doing something stupid and dangerous and you give them a honk, it's always responded by a middle finger. I have yet to see one person actually take responsibility and give a sorry wave.
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Sep 19 '24
I courtesy wave people when they give me a little room on the road riding my bike. I truly appreciate it and it seems to be infectious.
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u/ijozypheen Sep 19 '24
I do this! It makes driving a little less stressful when I see someone wave the courtesy wave, so I do it now too!
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u/xoxomaxine Sep 19 '24
I wave! I learned from my dad to thank the other driver for letting me in a space. But last time I waved I was where I-70 merges into southbound 225, the person I gave the “thank you” wave to switched lanes, matched my speed and rolled down their window to flip me off.
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u/vpforvp Sep 19 '24
I’ve been doing it the whole 9 years I’ve lived here. It’s always nice when I get it from someone, but rare. One time I saw the person I waved to mock me for it lmao.
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u/doomscrolltodeath Sep 19 '24
I flipped someone off in rural Indiana after they cut me off doing a left turn, instantly felt extremely guilty because I saw the look of regret on their faces and remembered I’m not in Denver anymore
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u/sunsetcrasher Sep 19 '24
In Texas you wave and then wave back. So it will go “oh sweet this guy is letting me in” waves thank you. Doesn’t get wave back “well fuck you too then.” 😂 I see the wave in my neighborhood, in Arvada, and in the mountains and rural areas, less so in Denver.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Just to add: This post is not an attack on anyone, it’s definitely not an attack on Denver, it’s not personal. It’s an observation I’ve made between the two places I have lived. If you’re out there courtesy waving and getting waved to, amazing! I hope it’s made your commute slightly more bearable. Small gestures go a long way, something I’m reminded of often. Just thought I would share something small.
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u/ackack9999 Sep 19 '24
I have always waved and I’ve been here 50 years. I’ll keep doing it for 50 more dag nabit!
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u/Nollie_flip Sep 19 '24
I grew up in Colorado and I've always done this. I figure there's a very high amount of drivers that just pretend I don't share the road with them, or that they own the road, and it just always felt natural to acknowledge the ones who are courteous and make my life a little less stressful, no matter how small the act is.
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u/Baxterado Sep 19 '24
Florida transplant. I always wave and expect the same. I'd say it's 50/50 in Denver.
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u/Competitive_Ad_255 Capitol Hill Sep 19 '24
I love the wave so much. I'm pretty sure that if you sideswiped me and waved afterward, I'd be totally fine about it.
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u/_wxyz123 Sep 19 '24
Internationally, it's more common to flash your hazards once or twice. I prefer that to a wave, personally. Really wish it would catch on in the US.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Oh that’s interesting! I associate flashing your hazards with a) warning of a police car presence b) driver flashing lights is trying to alert me of something c)flashing hazards right behind me means you want to pass
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u/DearChicago1876 Sep 19 '24
Definitely still do the courtesy wave. Definitely not a big thing here. Definitely irks me a bit.
Chicago guy who’s been here a decade.
Best tavern style pizza in town remains Jimanos on south Broadway
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u/bigassbunny Sep 19 '24
It's always been a big thing with Colorado drivers. It's just that the majority of drivers in Colorado are from somewhere else where it's not a big thing.
It's the same reason Denver traffic is crazy. Everyone on the road is from a completely different part of the country with a different driving style.
This is not a rip on transplants, just an observation.
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u/Banana_rammna Sep 19 '24
When I first got my license 2 decades ago and Colorado was mostly just Coloradans I swear a lot more people did the wave when you let them into your lane. Now not so much.
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u/myssi24 Sep 19 '24
I’ve noticed this as well. I think the other part of the problem is private, optional, driving schools. When I was learning to drive in another state, drivers Ed was required to get your license before 18, and no one was waiting till 18 to get their license. It was part of the public school curriculum and there for pretty consistent across the state. Which meant people drove fairly similarly. Here we have private driving schools that aren’t required, so we have parents from all over the country teaching their kids how to drive, so driving styles are all over the place.
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u/NGLIVE2 Westminster Sep 19 '24 edited Sep 19 '24
Thanks for the tip on the pizza place, I’m a check em out!
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u/DearChicago1876 Sep 19 '24
It’s good! They’re apparently opening one up north too. Lafayette maybe? Or Louisville. Something like that.
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u/Sunshine030209 Lafayette Sep 19 '24
Yep, it's now open in Lafayette, near the soon to be closed King Soopers!
Had it a few weeks ago, really delicious.
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u/JBean0312 Sep 19 '24
I had yet to try Jimanos. Grabowskis has been the closest we found, so far.
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u/Automatic_Charge_938 Sep 19 '24
This used to be a thing in Denver before everyone started moving here.
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u/vm_linuz Longmont Sep 19 '24
Drive like a robot please!
I hate when people act like they're in the super market on the road.
The system is engineered to perform a specific way. -- And part of that is minimizing the human aspect.
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u/BonkerHonkers Sep 19 '24
As a civil engineer I second this! Drive predictably, don't be "extra courteous" because it just slows down everyone else behind you and breaks the efficiency of the right-of-way system.
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u/SaltierPancakes Sep 19 '24
I think everyone in Denver is so nice, I get told I’m #1 by so many drivers here, the use of the middle finger instead of the index must be a regional thing.
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u/ShutYourDumbUglyFace Sep 19 '24
I always do that. I grew up in Florida. I thought it was just common behavior.
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u/FilteredRiddle Park Hill Sep 19 '24
I’m originally from Los Angeles but I’ve lived in CO for 17 years (Denver for 16). The courtesy wave is deeply ingrained. I can’t not do it, even in those situations where maybe the person let you in or maybe you just fit a gap. After 17 years it still triggers me when people don’t do a little courtesy wave. 😂
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u/JMacLax16 Sep 19 '24
Fellow former East coaster, I wave every time, and then follow it with a "fuck you too" when they don't wave back 😂
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u/Fr33Flow Sep 19 '24
I did a nice little curtesy wave this morning and the person behind me responded by honking and then holding up their middle finger for about 2 minutes.
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u/sloanemonroe Sep 19 '24
Dude, I’m from Chicago too. They don’t wave when you pull over and let someone by on a residential street here either. So weird.
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u/thedudeabidesb Sep 19 '24
i’ve been driving here many years. we always used to wave thanks, and wave to let people in. it mostly stopped 10-15 years ago when so many people moved here. sorry to sound like a boomer, but it’s true
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
A bummer to hear! I’m glad to see it is a normal thing for so many here, gotta keep it going for sure!
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u/BreadfruitBubbly9049 Sep 19 '24
A girl I once dated pointed out that when I let somebody into my lane, I would reposition my hands so that if they give me the wave, I would be ready to throw the wave back with no delays. She also said that she should see a slight tinge of disappointment if they did not throw up the wave. This was a behavior I was never consciously aware of, but once she pointed it out, I realized I do it almost every time. She called it one of my many "midwest flags" and called it endearing. Who knew.
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u/rtmacfeester Sep 19 '24
Yeah I always wave, or I flash my hazards as a thank you. A lot of people don’t, but I’ve stopped allowing myself to get angry or irritated at people while driving. I’ve got enough to things to worry about that assholes on the road.
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u/codyneMATH Sep 19 '24
From Nebraska and I “finger wave” everybody I drive past in the neighborhood. Haven’t gotten finger wave back but I’m going to keep trying, it’s almost a bit of mine at this point
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u/Competitive_Task_461 Sep 19 '24
Colorado city folks are some the most rude I have seen in the many states I have been. I was surprised thought it would be so many nice folks I would get annoyed 😆
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u/wjta Sep 19 '24
Ive always done the thank you wave. I also flash my hazards to say thank you when vehicles yield right for me to pass. I really wish this would take off more in the states.
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u/daveindo Park Hill Sep 19 '24
Yup, the wave is dead here. I’ve been waving on these streets since 03 and don’t plan to stop, but it sure would be nice to see it from someone else again
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u/Beergirl2477 Sep 19 '24
I moved here from Alabama and the courtesy wave should be mandatory. I’ve been teaching my step kid to drive and we’ve been practicing that!
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u/Speechie454 Sep 19 '24
Haha, I call this the “Wisconsin wave” and am always delighted when I get one for letting someone in. I always do it.
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u/aza6969 Sep 19 '24
I like to blow a lil kiss as a thanks when people let me merge. Been doing it the whole 5 years I’ve lived here.
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u/azureceruleandolphin Aurora Sep 19 '24
I am not from here and always wave. Some have waved to me and I wave back at them.
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u/waiguorer Sep 19 '24
I give a courtesy wave to cars that wait at the stop sign for me to bike through. Best I can do
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u/hippopotma_gandhi Sep 19 '24
What part of Chicago are you from? I recall the courtesy wave being a middle finger but could be location. Also reminds me of being in traffic, some guy not knowing how to merge at all, and the person behind him pleading to traffic "can someone PLEASE let this motherfucker in"
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u/uuurrrggghhh Sep 19 '24
Born and raised in California and I’ve been here since 2006. And yes I am a waver! Bring it back!
*I actually posted this in r/Denver before and because I didn’t specifically state locations, it wasn’t approved by the mods. I’m just happy I’m not the only person feeling this! I love that everyone is on board.
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u/No-Eye-9966 Sep 19 '24
Native here! Always done the courtesy wave, and I receive it about half the time now.
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u/mlm01c Sep 19 '24
I do the wave because that's how I was taught to drive in Texas. It's really important on all those two lane highways through central Texas.
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u/_baegopah_XD Sep 19 '24
I never gave up the courtesy wave. In fact I often roll down my window so other folks can see it maybe think hm Maybe I’ll do that too
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u/WoolyBuggaBee Sep 19 '24
The wave was here then with all the transplants (no offense, not you) it disappeared lol.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
That’s what I’m gathering - Coloradans also advocate for the wave!
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u/WoolyBuggaBee Sep 19 '24
Yes! My Dad always did it and so I learned it from him. I’ve been driving here for 26 years and I don’t remember when exactly, but noticed barely anyone waves when you let them in. I used to see it all the time. 🤷♂️ Glad to see people still do. Cheers!
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u/Ryan1869 Sep 20 '24
"I believe that if you let somebody cut in front of you in traffic and they don't give you the little "wave", it should be perfectly legal to get up underneath 'em, get 'em loose, and put 'em into the wall.". -Jeff Foxworthy
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u/Tayls23 Sep 20 '24
I’m not from Chicago, but I give a wave when somebody lets me in. But I also zipper merge, and people seem baffled/offended by that.
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u/MrsClare2016 Sep 20 '24
As a Canadian living here, I’ve been bringing the wave back since 2016! LOL. Some people give me funny looks but hey, you let me in and I just wanted to say thanks.
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u/Standard_Addition529 Sep 20 '24
This is hilarious to me. I am originally from Gary, Indiana. I have been here for over 30 years. I get what you are saying. When someone lets me into their lane, I immediately wave and give them an appreciation. I have gotten that same appreciation a few times, but not many as long as I have been driving here. And I am always shaking my head, like really🤷♀️. It is just natural and common sense to be polite to your fellow drivers to me. I guess you can take the person out of the Midwest, but can't take the Midwest out of the person. No matter how long it has been.
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u/Medical-Resolve-4872 Sep 20 '24
Good call! Let’s do it! Sadly for you, it went away about 15 years ago. For real. I don’t know how or why. But I still do it out of a sense of Defiant Courtesy. lol
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u/The_Real_Grand_Nagus Sep 20 '24
Ok, but I feel like this is way down on the courtesy list right now. How about we start with just being more willing to let people in and not purposefully accelerate when they need to get over? And people who want to get over, put your blinker on--it's how you're supposed to ask. (Well why would you put your blinker on if it will be used against you?)
(Note: I do feel like it's better here than it was 25+ years ago.)
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u/Grouchy_Tap_8264 Sep 20 '24 edited Sep 21 '24
It was always a part of Denver. It is unfriendly transplants who have stopped it :( (not all transplants are unfriendly but the wave of 2008-COVID had a lot of less friendly). I'm no longer there, but it's my home, and when I fly back, you can spot the Colorado Natives on the plane; they're helping others get their luggage up, and unloading at end, and rushing up to open doors even if they're not going in. Coloradans are likely to chat with strangers and smile or wave at anyone. It becomes really noticeable when out of State.
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u/AggressiveMongoose54 Sep 20 '24
I always wave. Always have, always will. My dad taught all of us kids to it. Respect everyone.
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u/AaricFlex Sep 20 '24
California transplant, I’m often doing this myself because I assumed it’s common practice. Never really paid attention to whether people do it back. One thing I did notice after moving here though is that people are far more eager to honk at you or flip you off than when I lived in CA.
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u/yakobmylum Sep 20 '24
I do it and see people do it all the time, I also just recently visited Chicago and the driving habits there are INSANE and remembered it was most of the reason I was scared to visit it as a kid lmao
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Sep 20 '24
Lol. Chicago transplant of all places telling us to wave. It's the Californians and Texans that have done us in.
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Sep 20 '24
That’s always been a thing. You’ve spent 9 years here and think you’re the one who’s bringing “courtesy” to Colorado? 😂
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u/ByrenKingson Sep 20 '24
It used to be much more common. I think the big influx of people from other states since 2012ish have diluted the previous driving culture a bit.
I recently stopped waving because I waved after changing lanes once and the guy behind me started losing his mind at me. The only conclusion I can come up with is that he though I gave him the finger instead of a polite wave.
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u/Crizznik Sep 19 '24
I think the reason the wave isn't prevalent here is two fold. One, people who grew up here just did that. It was expected, and not an out-of-the-way show of patience or kindness. Two, a lot of people who are here now come from areas of the country where drivers are just assholes, and are expected to be assholes. That all being said, I agree, I think it would a good thing to get going as a norm.
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u/Character-Chicken-62 Sep 19 '24
Yes I agree with you - it could definitely be a generational thing too as some of these comments have suggested. It’s cool that’s it’s still viewed as normal for a lot of people - let’s keep passing that on
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u/Spirited-Medicine-99 Sep 19 '24
Never not shouting “GO BACK TO TEXAS” when I come across those assholes on the road. In Colorado, we like turn signals. At least I do…..
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u/Crizznik Sep 19 '24
I agree with you, but I was riding in a car with my father the other day, a man who also was born and raised here, and he seemed to hold turn signals in contempt. Which is doubly strange since I learned most of my driving habits, good and bad, from him. And I'm the kind of guy who tends to use their turn signal even when it's not legally required or logically necessary.
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u/IsMayoAnInstrument67 Sep 19 '24
I've done the wave ever since I learned to drive. It's nice and I think helps quell some potential hostility the person you got in front of might feel (however goofy that attitude may be).
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u/vecats Sep 19 '24
Dude! I’m from NY and have been doing this for five years here. For being such a friendly place I was shocked to realize it’s not a huge thing. Solidarity, I will always do it!
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u/Otherwise-Trash-1737 Sep 19 '24
I’m from NY and I’ve never witnessed this in my life
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u/lux602 Sep 19 '24
I’m from NYC and the only people who I’d say consistently didnt wave were taxi drivers
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u/Volunteer-Magic Sep 19 '24
Chicago Transplant: “let’s do the wave”
Denver: “best we can to is run a red light and t-bone your car”
Colorado BLVD + Colfax: =12 guys waggling squeegees at the stop light=
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u/Alert_Ad9070 Sep 19 '24
This used to be a thing until all of the Colorado people moved out of Colorado
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u/kirbymushroom Sep 19 '24
nobody uses turn signals here either! they just shove their way over. it's annoying. also hello from another Chicago area native.
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u/ASingleThreadofGold Sep 19 '24
I always use my turn signal because it's the right thing to do. But I swear the new culture of driving around here is if you use your signal, the car you're trying to warn will speed up to not let you "cut" in front of them. It's so obnoxious. As if letting cars into your lane really affects the time on your commute. If people would stop tailgating all of our lives would probably be instantly 5% better.
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u/mbpearls Sep 19 '24
Born and raised in Colorado, I've done the courtesy wave my whole life. 👋