Let me ask you a question (and it won’t apply to you “big city” folks, so I apologize): Let’s say you’re in the grocery store and you run into someone you know. You speak to one another, and go about your shopping. How awkward is it when you keep running into them during that same shopping trip? Is it just me, or do you feel like you have to say a little something each time? I try to make the awkward feeling better by saying things like “Just grabbing some coffee. Gotta have that!” or “Love these pre-mixed salads!”
Next time it happens, I’m hiding out in the magazine aisle until they leave. At least I’ll be all caught up on “Diet Secrets of the Stars.”
thetightropeblog.com 
Very awkward. Almost as awkward as pulling up next to someone you know at a red light. And the next light. And the next light. And the next light. :)-This is Lauren (Nancy Margaret's friend)
I was at the grocery tonight and ran into 5 people I knew (Columbia may be "big city" but it's very much a small town). I kept running into 2 of them — so.awkward…especially since I don't really care for either of them. (what? isn't this about honesty?)
Red lights – yes. Super awkward. Do you wave each time? Roll down the window?Grocery store "run-ins" are much worse when you don't care for the person you've run into. Drug store "run-ins" are awkward as well. Sometimes you've gone in for an item you don't particulary want the world to see you buying, you know?