Do you choose to be anonymous when going back to your hometown?

After graduating from high school in 1996, I went away to college out of state and left the area, only occaisionally visiting. The past few times I visited, there were several people who I noticed in stores or on the street, when we weren't hanging out with family, who I had known when I lived there. I did not say anything to them or treat them any different than the thousands of other people who I didn't recognize. They did not say anything to me either.
Does anyone else do this? Is this rude and antisocial?
I guess that I choose to be anonymous because I am not part of their life or that little world and they are not part of mine either. I am ambivalent about my hometown and feel that we are all better off that way.

I'm going back home in June. I really wish "home" were somewhere else. In all honesty, beyond my parents, I can think of a grand total of three or four people who would want to see me and one of them is leaving for boot camp a week after I get back. Go figure. :eyes: I figure it's probably in my best interests to stay anonymous, but as I'm a figure of some infamy in that town, it might not be all that easy. :(

Espeically if you were a "figure of some infamy". They might acknowledge you whether you like it or not. After more time has passed though, you will be more out of mind and they won't expect to be seeing you and it will be easier to be anonymous if you choose.
I hope that all goes well though.

hard for me to be, not noticed....I'm a big guy, i stick out, and it only takes about 4 seconds to recognize me. Believe me, i have tried, not being noticed, but most do, and they talk to me...what is funny, 99% of the people i graduated with, i didn't say much more than a few words too, and when I go back to my hometown, from time to time, they ham it up with me, like they knew me for ages...which to me is weird.

I have been recognized by people, whom I take about an hour to remember...its embarrasing, when i dont recognize people, who recognize me, its like playing "Guess Who I am?" And trying to fake, knowing somebody, is a trait, i haven't yet mastered....