I was walking down an empty hallway today and a 50+ year old professor, who I don't know, winked at me.

She failed at one of the most basic stranger-interaction skills there are!
The standard procedure for passing a stranger was very clearly carved in stone by the universe at the beginning of time.

It is as follows:

1. As you approach a stranger moving in the opposite direction, avoid eye contact until you are about 5 yards away.


2. Look up and pretend to "discover" that they are there. Smiling is acceptable.


3. In order to avoid an awkward silence, greeting them is recommended. Ex. "Hi."


4. If timed properly, you will pass by them as soon as this greeting has concluded. If spare time remains, you are once again at risk of awkwardness.

Her insolence in the face of the universal law made me stagger away from her when she winked, and left me wondering what it was supposed to mean. Winking is not something to be taken lightly.

Winking can mean two things:

1. You are a double agent signaling to me not to be suspicious when you announce a status report to your cigarette box. (A.K.A. "LOL jk im on your side")


2. You are flirty/horny. (A.K.A. "I'm a girl and I know you'd love to be with me!" or "I'm a guy and I hope this doesn't come off as creepy!")

This lady met neither of these criteria.
So the moral of the story is- when in doubt, don't wink.