Regarding the letter from “Perplexed in Suburbia,” (the person who greets neighbors without receiving responses from younger folks), this is akin to telling women to smile.
No one is entitled to a response just because they are being friendly.
If greeting people makes you happy and comes from the goodness of your heart, why would a lack of acknowledgment bother you?
If you are expecting something in return, reflect on your true motives.– A Reader
You make an excellent point, and I think your perspective is valuable. However, men instructing women who are walking past to “smile” is different from someone merely wondering why friendly greetings aren’t returned.
Real Life of an MSW 
I’ve learned that one of the most important things I need to do is give up my expectations about how people are “supposed” to act or react in response to anything. I’ve learned to live with intention and to focus upon the only thing that I can really control – what I do.
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Yes, we only have control over our internal selves, not the external world. The key is to focus on our own behavior, not other people’s. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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I so disagree with this. It’s common courtesy to return the greeting and it should be expected. Now it shouldn’t ruin your day if the person doesn’t respond because it speaks of their character not yours, but yes a greeting should ALWAYS be returned and one should always expect it. I mean unless you’re greeting a brick!
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One should expect nothing in life, and especially from others. I do think greetings are culture based, but in saying that I always smile and/or nod at those who cross my path. Thank you for reading, commenting, and offering your perspective.
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