how do you start a conversation?

[krisgil_aguila]

a. everybody knows that it isn't nice to just ignore and pass the people you know..

b. what if you see them everyday, and you have nothing else to say?

c. further, should you talk to people while in the elevator?

and finally, how do you end those?

[Paulclem]

a. Good morning costs nothing and stands you in good stead for for the future. I used to say good morning to a chap that lives in the next street who I'd see very regularly. He didn't respond for nine years and I had given up long before then. Then I got a pup and he always speaks now. I'm comfortable in the knowledge that he only talks to me because of the dog.

b. Small talk is a convention - the weather, sport, work - whatever. It's a convention which will then lead into whatever you really want to talk about. Or if you've nothing in common - it's just polite. Have you had a good day? might render up some interesting chat.

c. If you want to. Lots of people don't. Some people can't stand the silence but are too embarrassed to break it. Occaisionally they happen spontaneously when something out of the ordinary happens. I wouldn't worry about it, but presumably you do otherwise you wouldn't have asked. Eventually - after years of wondering what to say, when to say it, whether to say it - you just think - I'll speak if someone else does.

Otherwise - if you're willing to take the risk of extrovertism - then you could try speaking - some will respond - others will be nervous -which in the end adds to the extrovert's self confidence. I'll speak if I can be bothered. I do sometimes at bus stops too - but that's because I'm from Yorkshire and everybody speaks usually. I've also got a big gob.

And to end conversations - you could just run off trailing anxiety behind you, but to leave a good impression a polite see you later will do.

:D

[Emil Miller]

There two aspects to the main question. The first being, is one being stand-offish by not acknowledging another person? The second being, should we invade that person's privacy? The difficulty occurs because we all know that some people may not welcome what they see as an intrusion.
This may vary in different countries where a tradition of conviviality or, conversely, a tradition of reserve is the norm.
I notice that you are from the US where Americans are probably more convivial than people here in the UK where a traditional reserve exists among the indigenous population if not among immigrants.
The English have a notable reputation for being very conservative, as shown by the well known example of an almost empty airport lounge in some distant country where two Englishmen sat ignoring each other behind their newspapers while a sole Australian stood drinking at the bar. Suddenly another Australian came in and immediately struck up a conversation with the first.
None of which answers your original questions but may underline the reason why you asked them.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Good morning costs nothing and stands you in good stead for for the future.

Totally agree. Even a slight nod of the head and I faint "hi" can do the trick.