Mumbles: The only place in Swansea people still stop and say 'hello'?

In many towns and cities, the friendly act of saying hello to a stranger in passing is fast becoming a thing of the past, with people quick to reach for their phones in an attempt to avoid any unnecessary eye contact. However, the fresh sea air of Mumbles still seems to bring out the very best in everyone.

So, why are people more likely to say 'hello' to strangers whilst taking a stroll along our beautiful promenade? Is it simply that people feel at ease amongst the stunning scenery, or is there more to it?

Some people would argue that it is a generational thing, with those over a certain age, more likely to stop and say hello. However, we spoke to Sian Davies who regularly walks, runs, and cycles along the promenade and she disagrees with this.

"As a young person, I always smile and say hello to anyone I pass. I find cyclists and runners, in particular, are more friendly and I think it's really motivating for those exercising."

Time may of course play a large part, with people in busy city centres often rushing from one place to the next, with little time or thought for those around them. While those taking a walk around coastal paths are less focused on the tasks they need to get done, and more in tune with their surroundings.

Do people feel unsafe making eye contact with strangers? With crime increasing in many cities, safety is certainly a factor. Women in particular, may feel that a simple smile can give the receiver permission to overstep the mark. Walking in busier, open areas such as mumbles, allows people to feel safer and more at ease, meaning they are more likely to exchange that friendly hello.

One sure way to guarantee a smile and a friendly welcome is to take your furry, four-legged friend along with you. Very few people can resist the curious eyes and wagging tail of a dog as it potters past.

We spoke to local Mumbles resident Carol Isherwood, who regularly walks along the beach with her husband in the mornings, "You can always tell when people walking are visitors as they look shocked and amazed at you at times. I sometimes challenge myself to get the ones who never say hello, to say hello as it would be too obvious not to reply."

Whatever the reason, no one can argue against the importance of a friendly smile to a stranger, now more than ever. With many people stuck inside with little to no social contact, that friendly (socially distanced) greeting could be all that person needs to help get them through their day. And not only will it help the receiver, but it will make you feel good too. Smiling and saying hello to strangers is a fantastic way to boost your self-confidence.

So, next time you are out for a walk, make eye contact with a stranger, say hello. How does it make you feel? How many say it back?