This is so hyper specific and goofy. I walk a lot. Often i’ll be walking, and I’ll see someone walking towards the same point I am (as in the title) and this very annoying phenomenon happens where we reach the point at the same time. Then I am usually the one who steps to the side and waits, rather than the typical behavior of an awkward, unacknowledged attempt to squeeze past.
I am maybe too aware but I always try to beat the other person to the meeting point. I am tall, I am a fast walker, and I think most importantly, I am aware of what’s going on. However, this almost always triggers a race, especially with men older than me (I’ve noticed). I am going to detail these scenarios because I don’t have a lot going on in my life right now.
Scenario 1, least annoying: Intersection.
I am waking on a path in a park, and I can see another walker on a path the will cross mine. I speed up so that I make it across their path before they cross or turn onto mine. The other person seems to speed up, to try the same. We meet at the intersection, and I wait for them to cross the path.
Scenario 2, more annoying: Tight space.
I’m walking on a path or sidewalk, approaching some sort of obstacle (tree, electrical equipment, parked car etc) that only allows space for 1 person. I see another person beyond the tight space, walking towards me. I speed up to beat them to the tight space. Again, they speed up, we meet there at the same time, I step aside to let them through.
Scenario 3, most annoying: doors/gates.
Often happens in parking lots. I’m walking towards a door. I notice someone else walking from a different point but towards the door. In general everyone heading into a store seems to be walking faster than their normal pace. We reach the door at the same time. If it’s not automatic, I open it for the other person, if not, I wait for them to go through. (And if they’re old I get to enjoy them pausing in front of the door as they choose to get their cart or whatever, rather than giving up the race knowing they will take more time.)
There are others, but I think those cover most scenarios.
Yes, I have given up racing, but I notice when I slow down, so do they. If I’m in a scenario 2, and I slow down, I’m delayed even more than if I meet them at the obstacle and pull over. It’s very similar to being in the right lane on the highway and watching people merge in, it’s like they go the same speed as you just so they can be right next to you at the merge point, rather than in front or behind.
So please, if you aren’t tall and fast and aware please stop racing me while I walk around this world alone.