How easy it is to NOT say hello

I took the kids to the playground this afternoon, mostly for my own sanity! It was a gorgeous fall day and I thought some fresh air and sunshine was just what the doctor ordered. The kids immediately were drawn in by two other children of similar ages climbing on one of the amazing playground installations near our house. The children's mother was busy on her phone sitting alone at a picnic table. I was in need of a little activity myself, so I encouraged the kids to go on the round-a-bout (merry-go-round for the Americans) and pushed them as fast as my legs could go. Then we moved from station to station until eventually the other Mom walked over to assist me in my playground mayhem. It was a curious thing that she came and stood next to me but was reluctant to introduce herself, even though I had already coordinated introductions for our kids. Eventually it was left up to me, "Hello, they are having a blast together!" I said with a smile. "Yes, we've already been down this thing about 10 times, although I can't quite get them to the end. I wasn't really running fast enough." She sheepishly admitted. We continued chatting as our children ran all over playing and making up new games. I found out that she used to work with horses and had just recently had to put one of her ponies down. I was empathetic toward her even though I would not be described as an animal lover. At any rate, we had a really lovely chat and it made me feel like a person. I got to have an adult conversation for a few minutes that will probably be quickly forgotten however, just think if we hadn't said hello! All that time would have been spent politely staring and smiling at each other...HOW BORING! When in doubt have the clout!