According to psychology, what does it mean to greet drivers when they give way?

This may seem like a small and insignificant act, but it reveals important aspects of how a person relates to the environment and others. Gratitude is one of the most rewarding expressions, both for the one who expresses it and for the one who receives it. The brain releases endorphins, such as dopamine and serotonin, which create a feeling of well-being, reduce stress and produce pleasure.

What does it mean when a person thanks a driver for yielding the right of way on the street?

Those who repeat this well-intentioned gesture, extending their hand to motorists at the pedestrian crossing, are described as optimists, with a positive outlook on their future plans. They understand that bad things can happen, but they prefer to focus their energy on what brings them well-being.

Even a brief interaction with a stranger on a public street demonstrates awareness and mutual respect. Both the driver and the pedestrian experience a moment of satisfaction, confirming their responsibility and their consideration towards others.

Manuel Vázquez-Marrufo, professor at the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Seville, told BBC Mundo that gratitude activates the reward system in the brain, but not everyone experiences it in the same way, because each person is marked by their subjectivity.

“It is possible that important pillars of neurotransmission, such as dopamine and serotonin, are involved in the process of experiencing gratitude,” said the expert.

In addition, the gesture of saying “thank you”, verbally or with a hand gesture, involves brain activation, allowing the person to pay attention to their environment. This demonstrates that the individual is immersed in their daily routine, but nevertheless understands that they live in society and that each action towards another person generates a reaction, positive or negative, depending on the context.

Spontaneous gratitude is associated with emotional well-being and reduced reactivity to tense situations, but too much of it can cause negative effects on the amygdala, such as pain, nervousness, and irritation.

Empathy is another important factor in expressing gratitude. In a world where the pace of daily life prevents emotional connections, those who greet drivers as they cross the street tend to view them as equals to themselves and, therefore, value and respect the gesture of giving way.

This small scene can be understood as a reciprocity of everyday life, which for many goes unnoticed, but serves as an example that human beings are social and need peaceful exchanges to understand each other.