Saving face at cost of friendship

A few days ago, I was waiting at the bus stop after school.

While I was waiting, a boy wearing the uniform of another school came up to me and said: 'Hi.' I was confused, as I did not recognise him.

I wanted to ask him if I knew him, but I hesitated as I was not sure whether he was talking to me.

I paused to consider what I would do if I responded and he was in fact not talking to me.

I thought I would be embarrassed and lose face, so I kept my mouth shut.

As there was no response from me, he left quietly with embarrassment on his face and walked to the other side of the bus stop.

What a shame! He had intended to greet a stranger kindly, but I was so rude to him, treating him as if he was invisible.