I always greet the security guard(s) when coming in or leaving. Also the cleaning crew, maintenance team, VP or any other human I may pass by unless they are involved in another conversation at the time. Just seems polite to me.
You’re weird. Who thinks quizzing a guard that doesn’t know you about his weapons is smart? Hint - he’s not the one in the wrong here.
I never suggested he was “wrong”. I thought my chitchat was obviously lighthearted and joking. I mean, a “sawed off shottie”? Really?
I say “Thanks for keeping the bad guys out; we’re counting on you.” to the TSA folks on the way in. You should see the smiles and gratitude I get for that small recognition of the real meaning of their thankless crappy work lives. I’m not doing it to earn their gratitude, but to brighten their day a bit. It works.
On the way out I just say “thanks” to the TSA person who’s enjoying their 15 minutes of calm silent solitude watching the exit before they rejoin the maelstrom for 4 more hours of screening the customer hordes. Sometimes I get no reaction, but most times they brighten right up.
As igor says, the janitor, the security guard, and the cook are as human as you are. And probably a lot more human than the VP.
I appreciate all the answers to my question, but I guess this is a key answer, right from the horse’s mouth, so thank you in particular.
There seems to be a pretty strong consensus here! (Even stronger than in the Hawaiian Pizza thread!)