I have never played their game. If they want to avoid me then it is up to them to "get away" from me. I have never turned away, lowered my head or avoided them. If I see them I will say hello and be friendly as that is just my nature. Most will say hello and smile in return and hen keep walking. My dub wife has many friends come to the house and most of them will talk to me and be friendly, yet there are a few butt heads.
Years back there were a few who did not want to even say hello when they came into my house until they needed to borrow my truck or needed help with something. They they would be very friendly and once the job was done they would again not even greet me in my own house. I put an end to that really fast. They quickly learned that if your nice to me I will bend over backwards for you if your an ass I will re-define meanness for you. So i guess it is up to them if I'm a nice or mean apostate.