Lemme tell you about a social technique called the acknowledging wave. It's a great way to avoid awkwardness with someone you've got history with, be it an old coworker you never quite liked, an ex, acquaintances, once-friends, or a relative.
It's very simple.
Step 1. Look at them in the eye.
Step 2. Give a little wave and smile.
Step 3. Acceptable comments to compliment your social acknowledgement: "Hi there!" "I'm glad to see you're doing well." You can also pick something about them to compliment, be it a shirt, purse, whatever.
Step 4. After this exchange, tell them to have a nice rest of the day or that you have to go do X thing. Total time spent, maybe 10-15 seconds.
This technique is easier if you're with a friend or partner. If you do, make sure you introduce them, by first name only (not relationship).
You could go the ignore them route (and maybe you should if your history with them is very unsettling), but you'll just create a social damper on the situation and turn the needle toward awkward. Just give them a positive greeting and make them rethink their social standing with you, at least while you're in proximity. The key here is brevity.
The only downside of this technique, now that I've told you, is that you know when someone is doing it to you. Good luck, tiger!
This advice post is part of the LPW Series "Wolfmom Teaches Her Pups™," #75782. All rights reserved.