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Comment by ptmcc | Hacker News Reader

Socialization in the PNW is highly hobby/activity oriented. It's immediate common ground and usually a recreational context.

Day to day is more much reserved and insular as we go about our business.

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Growing up in Oregon, it's just the way it was that we socialized with people we met through work/church/school/hobby, but not neighbors. I've lived next door to people for decades and not even met them face-to-face.

Many years ago, I was riding on a nearly empty city bus. A guy got on and sat not too far away. After a bit, he looked my way and sidled over to be in conversation distance and said, "Excuse, I moved here from Florida about two months ago. Nobody here will talk to me, and I'm starting to go crazy. Is there something wrong with me?"

That's what I've noticed, too -- even casual trail walkers are much more likely to greet you and smile.

Is that why most advice you see online is to go rock climbing or hiking to meet friends?

I wouldn't say it's PNW specific where that's true but in my experience those types of things are great ways to meet people and build social relationships. It could also be through any other sort of recurring activity like friday night magic or a local code meetup etc.

Edit: the downside of this, in my experience as well, is getting pigeon-holed in some activity with others. Especially when something like alcohol is involved

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